Zoran Polic vs. Nezavisne novine
07.10.2005

ADJUDICATION

of the Press Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the case of Mr Zoran Polic, vs. daily Nezavisne novine

The Press Council of BiH has, on its regular session held on 7th of October 2005 in Sarajevo, discussed complaint of Mr Zoran Polic, employee of the Police Station Gradiska of the RS Ministry of Inner Affairs with regard to the article “Threatened to Kill Me, My Wife and Children”, published in daily “Nezavisne novine” on 23rd of July 2005. The complaint refers to inaccurate information published in the article and inability to deny such information. The Press Council has issued following decision:

Complaint is upheld.

Explanation:

After publishing of the article in question, Mr Zoran Polic has contacted editorial office of “Nezavisne novine”, with request for publishing information that will explain his position. The interview with Mr Polic was agreed, but due to technical problems, it could have not been realised. The editorial office of “Nezavisne novine” has agreed to publish information once the official statement is being made, i.e. upon closure of the case. Baring in mind that the process of investigation takes time, Mr Polic asked for publishing of his reaction sent to “Nezavisne novine”, which would enable public to understand the case in complete. Unfortunately, editorial office did not publish his reaction.

The Press Council of BiH believes that editorial office of “Nezavisne novine” has breached Article 7 of the Press Code, that foresees opportunity to reply for all relevant parties.

The Press Council of BiH reminds on “opportunity for immediate response in the same edition of the publication as that containing the accusation”, which was not followed in this case.

The Press Council of BiH believes that “Nezavisne novine” should be given a period of 7 days for publishing reaction of Mr Polic, thus decreasing damage done by publishing of the initial text.

The Press Council of BiH