Human Rights Defender in Bosnia Herzegovina under Threat, February 2004

Branko Todorovic, president of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Republika Srpska, has been subjected to death threats in recent weeks. These threats appear to be linked to his recent condemnation of public threats by the Minster of Police towards journalists and others who had criticized the work of the Minister. The statements condemning the Minister’s threats were reportedly made by Branko Todorovic in the newspaper Nezavisne Novine.

On 6 February 2004, the chief editor of the newspaper Nezavisne Novine in Banjaluka was reportedly instructed over the telephone to inform Branko Todorovic that he had been sentenced to death was going to be liquidated. During the conversation, the editor’s own life was also allegedly threatened.

On 7 February 2004, a death threat against Branko Todorovic was reportedly received by the office of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Republika Srpska, informing him that if he attempted to hide his family would be found. It is further alleged that despite these threats being reported to the police, no protective steps have been taken. Front Line is gravely concerned that the reported harassment of Branko Todorovic may be directly linked to his recent newspaper statements.