Annual Review 2011
2011
Bias motivated speech
- In March, Sarajevo Open Centre reported that local TV journalist Alen Albinović aired a programme on trans performer Edin Aladžuz Kalimero which was full of transphobic statements and verbal attacks labelling the artist a “sick person.” The programme also featured a psychologist saying that “religious books forbid cross- dressing.”
- In November, the Press Council upheld complaints against SAFF magazine (bi-weekly Muslim-oriented Internet magazine) which had published an article called The Magistrate of Gayness Promoted in Sarajevo: 44 Debauchery Experts about students who had graduated with Masters Degrees from the Gender Studies programme of the University of Sarajevo. Amongst other things the author wrote “[…] Thus, in Sarajevo, 44 gayness experts acquired the vocation of Master, so we can only imagine how many more graduated gays, which will become the army for the rearrangement of our natural order and tradition, will these 44 produce.” The Press Council found a drastic breach of ethical professional standards under the Press Code, specifi cally on grounds of decency, respect for human rights, discrimination, incitement, gender equality and respect of individuality.
Equality and non-discrimination
The EU Progress Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina (SEC (2011) 1206 fi nal) stated that: “Discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people remains widespread. LGBT human rights defenders have been subjected to threats and harassment. Hate speech and intolerance towards LGBT persons by media and politicians remain issues of concern.” The enforcement of human rights legislation was highlighted as more of an issue than any lack of legal or institutional framework.
Human rights defenders
An informal network of LGBT human rights defenders in Bosnia and Herzegovina started operating, organising activities, creating a decision making structure and ensuring information sharing between the network’s members. Contacts were established with Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro to start cooperation between LGBT human rights defenders and organisations in those countries.
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