In the framework of the Council of Europe project – Reinforcing Judicial Expertise on Freedom of Expression and the Media in South-East Europe (JUFREX), the town of Međugorje was host to a two-day workshop dubbed “The Media and Judiciary in BiH: The Right to Free Access to Information in Judicial Institutions vs. Right to Protect the Integrity and Secrecy of Judicial Investigations and Procedures.”

The workshop gathered representatives of the media and judicial institutions in charge of public information for the purpose of better understanding, developing mutual cooperation and raising the level of public information quality.

Representative of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Irhad Bilić, who is a legal advisor – Head of the Public Information and Outreach Section, held a presentation on the topic of “The Role of Responsible Media in Society in the Context of Proper Reporting on Criminal Proceedings.” Apart from a review of the applicable legislation in the field of public information and standards of reporting on judicial proceedings, particularly underlined were tendencies in the practice, including specific examples which have a negative impact on judicial proceedings, reputation and dignity of judges and Court’s impartiality and authority.

As a responsible institution, the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue to improve its public information efficiency and transparency, and strengthen its cooperation with the community.