The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the physical and verbal attack on BN TV journalist Vesna Vukmirović and cameraman Srđan Đurić, which took place on 4 August 2026 in the village of Glogovica near Doboj ( Bosnia and Herzegovina) while they were reporting on an issue of significant public interest – the safety of the local water supply.
According to available information, the BN TV crew travelled to Glogovica after the Institute of Public Health of Republika Srpska determined that water from the local water supply system was unsafe for human consumption.
Before going to the field, journalist Vesna Vukmirović contacted Gordana Stojić, the responsible person at the Podnovlje Water Supply Association, who informed her that she had resigned from the position two years earlier and that Slavko Brestovac was now responsible for the matter. After Vukmirović contacted Brestovac and requested an interview, he invited the journalists to his home.
According to Vukmirović, upon arriving at the property, Brestovac threatened her, saying, “Girl, if you are rude, I will beat you,” while shouting at her and insulting her with degrading and sexist slurs. She further stated that a younger woman came out of the house, jumped on her back, attempted to seize her mobile phone, and scratched her arm during the struggle, causing physical injuries. According to the journalist, Brestovac then threatened to “kill all of them.” Cameraman Srđan Đurić was also verbally assaulted during the incident, while Vukmirović later received medical treatment for her injuries.
The SafeJournalists Network considers this attack a serious attempt to intimidate journalists and obstruct reporting on matters of public interest. Violence against journalists is unacceptable and represents an attack on media freedom and the public’s right to receive timely and accurate information.
We welcome the prompt response of the police following the report of the incident and the notification of the competent prosecutor’s office. At the same time, we call on the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska and the Doboj District Public Prosecutor’s Office to conduct a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation, identify all those responsible, and ensure that they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The competent authorities have an obligation to provide journalists with a safe environment in which to carry out their work, in line with domestic legislation and international standards on freedom of expression. Effective investigations and prosecution of attacks against journalists are essential to combating impunity and safeguarding independent journalism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The SafeJournalists Network will continue to monitor this case closely and inform relevant national and international organizations that monitor media freedom and the safety of journalists about its developments.
Every attack against journalists is an attack on the public interest, democracy and the public’s right to be informed.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, 5 August 2026
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
