BHRT Accuses Human Rights Ombudsman of Bias

Bosnia and Herzegovina Public Broadcasting Service (BHRT) has strongly criticized Nevenko Vranješ, the Ombudsman for Human Rights of Bosnia and Herzegovina. BHRT accuses Vranješ of hypocrisy and bias. They claim Vranješ publicly supported workers from Radio-televizija Republike Srpske (RTRS) but ignored the difficult situation of 775 BHRT employees.

BHRT views Vranješ's position as showing favoritism and double standards. An ombudsman should protect all citizens' rights impartially. Vranješ expressed concern for 603 RTRS workers whose accounts are blocked. Yet, BHRT highlights that its 775 workers have received only net salaries for years, without paid social contributions. This happens because RTRS has continuously broken the BiH Public RTV System Law since 2017. RTRS illegally keeps 50% of the RTV tax funds meant for BHRT.

BHRT calls Vranješ's stance shameful. They argue he defends law-breakers (RTRS) while ignoring those directly harmed (BHRT). Vranješ shows worry for RTRS's current block but overlooks that RTRS's long-term law-breaking caused it. BHRT believes Vranješ's bias makes him unfit for his role.

BHRT demands an immediate response from Bosnia and Herzegovina's institutions about Vranješ's actions. They ask other ombudsmen to publicly distance themselves from his statements. BHRT also wants Vranješ to publicly explain why he disregards the rights of 775 BHRT workers. BHRT insists all workers deserve equal protection, and the ombudsman institution must uphold fairness for everyone.