Mehmed Halilović, media law expert, on law suits against journalists, as a way of putting pressure on media.
If we analyze the names of the complainants against the journalists / editors and founders of the media, it is easy to notice that they are in most cases the presidents (political parties or state authorities), premiers, ministers, directors and other public figures. It is also notable that their claim for damages is the largest: most often between five and ten thousand KM, occasionally and higher. Lawsuits against journalists are also perceived as a means of pressure on the media. Important evidence that this is confirmed is the frequency of claims by certain political figures – from several lawsuits to a few dozen. Claims and threats to journalists in smaller local communities have a particularly disquieting effect on journalists.
