Victim Associations Condemn RTRS Broadcast, Allege Hate Speech

Several associations representing genocide victims have filed a formal complaint against Radio-televizija Republike Srpske (RTRS). These groups include the Association of Victims and Witnesses of Genocide, the Movement "Mothers of Srebrenica and Žepa," "Women of Podrinje," Mothers of Srebrenica, and Women of Srebrenica. They submitted their complaint to the Regulatory Agency for Communications (RAK) and the Office of the High Representative (OHR).

The complaint targets a news segment aired on RTRS's "Dnevnik 2" program on July 31, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The segment was titled "Report on the hearing of Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center employees and victim association reactions." The victim groups allege that RTRS violated the Code on Audiovisual Media Services. They accuse the broadcaster of serious breaches of professional standards, inciting intolerance, and insulting victims.

The associations claim RTRS reported in a highly biased way. They state the broadcaster did not show the true opinions of victim associations. Instead, it used their reactions to promote political attacks and false claims. A main point of concern is when an interviewee, Branimir Kojić, called the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center a "money factory."

The associations believe this statement, shown with victim reactions, created an offensive and damaging story. They say it suggests genocide survivors, including the Mothers of Srebrenica, use the memory of genocide for personal financial gain. This narrative, they argue, deeply stigmatizes and degrades victims and their families. It also goes beyond acceptable freedom of speech and encourages national and religious hatred.

The complaint highlights that RTRS, as a public broadcaster, must provide objective information and encourage dialogue and reconciliation. By airing insulting remarks against vulnerable groups, such as mothers who lost children and families of genocide victims, RTRS severely harmed the public interest. The associations demand that RAK promptly investigate the broadcast. If violations are confirmed, they ask RAK to impose legal penalties and sanctions against RTRS.