The following media round up on international, legal and foreign policy issues from around the Balkans for the period from 28 February to 2 March 2023.
Guernica 37 will provide weekly media updates with a focus on Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia . Should you wish to contribute or submit a media summary, opinion piece or blog, please send to Ned Vucijak at nenadv@guernica37.com for consideration.
Kosovo – 2 March 2023
A less redacted version of the indictment of ex-President Hashim Thaci and three of his former Kosovo Liberation Army guerrilla comrades discloses details of alleged beatings, murders, and a mass grave, as well as the identities of some victims. The full article can be found here.
Croatia – 2 March 2023
European Court rules that broadcaster was victim of 'uneven justice' by domestic courts handling its civil proceedings over 'unjust enrichment' – but its rights under the Human Rights Convention had not been violated. The full article can be found here.
Serbia – 2 March 2023
LGBT and human rights organizations have called for a protest rally on Friday and a meeting with the Police Minister after a spate of violent attacks on LGBT community members in February. The full article can be found here.
Kosovo – 1 March 2023
Kosovo’s Court of Appeals confirmed the one-year prison sentence handed down to former minister Ivan Todosijevic for incitement to ethnic, racial, or religious intolerance. The full article can be found here.
Kosovo – 1 March 2023
A decision to transfer cases from Mitrovica to other courts in the country, following the mass resignation of Kosovo Serb officials last year, will create extra burdens for the justice system, lawyers claim. The full article can be found here.
Serbia – 1 March 2023
President Vucic has dashed hopes of Belgrade signing the EU plan for Serbia-Kosovo relations because it includes allowing Kosovo to join the UN. The full article can Be found here.
Croatia – 28 February 2023
The Croatian culture institute Matica Hrvatska submitted a proposal to the government for a new law that would prevent the naming of streets and squares after figures from the Communist era and other totalitarian regimes. The full article can be found here.
Bosnia and Herzegovina – 2 March 2023
Three former Croatian Defence Council fighters were sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison for crimes against civilians in the Mostar area in 1993 including unlawful arrests, mistreatment of prisoners and rape. The full article can be found here.