James Јatras, a prominent political analyst and former U.S. diplomat, stated that the efforts of British Ambassador Julian Riley to threaten media freedom in Republika Srpska are unfortunately not surprising. He considers the letter Riley sent to the chief editor of Alternative Television, Milijana Kos, as just another example of the Western governments’ campaign against Republika Srpska, and its president, Milorad Dodik, reported Srna.
Regarding the pressure on the media in Republika Srpska by the British ambassador, Јatras said that Riley’s hypocritical expression of concern not only shows the contempt that the Government of Great Britain feels towards journalistic freedoms but also towards Republika Srpska’s right to manage its affairs without so-called democratic oversight.
“His letter is just another example of the campaign that Western governments are conducting against Republika Srpska and President Dodik,” emphasized Јatras.
Јatras reminded that Great Britain adopted the so-called Online Safety Bill last year.
“Behind this Orwellian name and the claims of the government [British Prime Minister] Rishi Sunak that the purpose of this law is the safety of children,’ the real purpose is to allow the observation and censorship of any opinion that British authorities do not like on any topic that bureaucrats consider ‘unsafe’,” added Јatras.
The Ambassador of Great Britain to BiH, Julian Riley, sent a letter to the chief editor of ATV, Milijana Kos, in which he expressed concern about the report broadcasted on January 16 regarding the sanctions imposed by Great Britain on the marketing agency “Mania” because it was involved in organizing the celebration of Republika Srpska Day.
The chief editor of ATV, Milijana Kos, stated to Srna that she is not aware of any ambassador of a country whose obligations are clear, writing to the chief editor of a media outlet. She perceived it as direct pressure on her professional work.
Source: RTRS
