Better Cooperation Needed
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Meeting participants concluded that it is necessary to speak to representatives of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to improve cooperation and resolve the issue of dissemination of trial audio and video recordings, as some media outlets have access to these recordings and others do not.
AIS representatives concluded that a judge who does not allow the issuance of an audio or video recording of a particular hearing is under an obligation to explain his decision in writing so that media can inform the public as to why this is happening.
In addition, it was pointed out that while some media have misused trial recordings, there are legal provisions that can be applied to prevent this or punish those responsible.
Erna Mackic and Anisa Suceska-Vekic informed participants about a meeting with the Public Outreach Section, POS, of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina at which the issuance of audio and video recordings of hearings was discussed, among other issues.
At this meeting POS representatives noted that presiding judges decide whether recordings will be submitted to the media or not, and that recordings cannot be distributed without the competent judge’s permission.
AIS members take the view that the public should know what is going on in courtrooms and that they should have access to recordings made at open hearings.
In addition, the AIS members pointed out that announcements pertaining to decisions made by the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina and, in some cases, announcements of verdicts pronounced by the Court are sometimes delayed.
Participants at the AIS meeting discussed the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of BIRN and AIS in late May, when a publication of the work of the State Court, to be published by BIRN, will be presented.
The AIS meetings was attended by: Muamer Selimbegovic (FENA), Denis Dzidic (BIRN BiH), Velma Saric (IWPR), Anisa Suceska-Vekic (BIRN BiH), Dragana Erjavec (TV Justice), Aida Alic (BIRN BiH), Merima Husejnovic (BIRN BiH), Mirela Hukovic-Hodzic (BH Radio 1), Dalio Sijah (BIRN BiH) and Erna Mackic (BIRN BiH).
