The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), an affiliate of the International Press Institute (IPI), today expressed concern about a fire started in front of the office of the weekly Slobodna Bosna in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The fire started at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday, when no staff members of the weekly were at the office, and it damaged the door at the entrance to the office.
Staff members who visited the office following the fire reportedly said they noticed a strange smell, which they said was similar to the smell of flammable liquids.
Slobodna Bosna is well known for investigative reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s public, business and political life. Editor-in-Chief Senad Avdic said he considered the fire to be a clear warning to the magazine.
SEEMO Secretary General Oliver Vujovic commented: “I urge the authorities in Sarajevo to investigate this attack and to find the perpetrators. Until it is determined who is responsible for this fire, the journalists of the weekly will be afraid to continue their normal work.”