On 26 June 2024, the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted the Draft Law on Citizens’ Initiative and Protection of Citizens and Activists. This law provides protection against legal actions intended to suppress public engagement. Under the law, citizens and activists cannot be held accountable or subjected to physical or psychological abuse for participating in citizens’ initiatives, expressing opinions, engaging in discussions, or organizing peaceful activities that promote public debate on matters of public interest. The proposed law allows for the early dismissal of SLAPP cases, protecting citizens and activists from lawsuits aimed at censoring, intimidating, or silencing them. The law is a product of Think Nature! project, implemented by BCSDN member CPCD in BiH since 2019. The adoption of this law demonstrates BiH’s commitment to adopting and implementing European standards in human rights and civil liberties, thereby meeting the necessary requirements for EU enlargement. Read more here.
Source: BCSDN