BHRT Accounts Blocked, Threatening Election Coverage

Bosnia and Herzegovina's public broadcaster, BHRT, reports a major crisis. Its bank accounts are blocked, starting August 21, 2026. This happened just as the general election campaign begins. BHRT warns it cannot cover the upcoming elections.

BHRT has reached out to national and international organizations for help. These include the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (VSTV), the Office of the High Representative (OHR), OSCE, and the EU Delegation. BHRT says court decisions are not applied fairly. BHRT's accounts are frozen due to a debt to RTRS. However, RTRS's accounts remain open, despite owing BHRT over 5.4 million KM in RTV tax, as per the same court ruling.

This block means BHRT cannot pay staff, cover program costs, or fund election news. It affects citizens' right to objective election information. BHRT also notes it paid RTRS 1.7 million KM to collect RTV tax, but BHRT itself does not receive its rightful share.

BHRT views this selective action as a threat to judicial fairness. It calls for swift action to ensure equal law enforcement. BHRT states that the judiciary is responsible for hindering its election coverage. This issue goes beyond a simple dispute. It raises serious questions about the rule of law, equality, judicial independence, and citizens' rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina.