Analysis Archives

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In pursuing trial after trial for war crimes committed by Russian forces, Ukraine is failing to put the victims at the heart of a much-needed transitional justice strategy. To see the result of such an approach Kyiv need only look at Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Posts about the war in Gaza and images of killed civilians are being censored by platforms like Facebook and Instagram, causing journalists and human rights organisations to accuse the social media companies of suppressing news about the violence in the Middle East.

Just before the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a Detektor crew visited Kyiv, where the fight against Russian media disinformation is considered part of the war. Experts in the fight against disinformation warn that the intensification of Russian disinformation activity can be a precursor to more aggressive action by Russia, a fact which warrants caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Serb nationalist and pro-Moscow groups from Bosnia, Serbia and Russia celebrated the controversial Day of Republika Srpska this week with fireworks, militaristic warnings and slogans glorifying war criminals.

At least six police officers are under investigation in Bosnia and Herzegovina for domestic violence, but internal cases against them have been suspended until the end of the criminal proceedings, Detektor has learned. In the past, police officers found responsible for domestic violence have been fined but not dismissed.

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The case of a woman from Banja Luka who committed suicide after a humiliating video was posted online raised questions about the legal boundaries of privacy and how to prevent harassment on the internet without jeopardising freedom of speech.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has finally taken steps towards implementing cybersecurity measures to protect state institutions and the public, but an emergency response unit, adequate resources and a proper legal framework are still needed.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is dragging its feet when it comes to reforms to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing, putting at risk financial flows to and from abroad. There are concerns over the rest of the Balkan region too.

A minor from Bijeljina who posted videos on TikTok threatening his Bosniak neighbors has expressed regret for his actions. However, experts warn that his case highlights deeper problems in combating hate speech on social media.

A documentary recently aired by Russian television network RT argues the existence of a “Bosnian caliphate” and radicalization of Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while dismissing the judicial verdicts on the Sarajevo siege and Srebrenica genocide. At a time when Russia is actively waging war on Ukraine, what is the significance behind an international television station financed by the Russian state echoing the long-standing claims of Milorad Dodik and his ideologues?

Analysis

In Race for Justice, Ukraine Repeats Bosnia’s Mistakes

Social Media Giants Accused of Concealing Gaza’s Suffering

Ukraine’s Experience Combatting Russian Disinformation Urges Caution in BiH

Right-Wingers Hail Mladic and Moscow at Bosnian Serb Celebrations

Police Officers Guilty of Domestic Violence Fined, Not Fired

Bosnian Woman’s Suicide After Online Ridicule Raises Privacy Questions

Bosnia Wakes Up to Cybersecurity, But Lacks Emergency Response Unit

Bosnia Risks Return to Money Laundering ‘Grey List’

Bijeljina Teen Regrets Offensive Posts, but the Question of Hate on Social Media Remains

Russian TV Documentary Sees Caliphate in Bosnia, but not Genocide

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