PEN International Unveils Disturbing Findings in its Report: "Toxic Narratives: Silencing Expression in the Western Balkans"

18 October: PEN International, in collaboration with PEN Bosnia and Herzegovina, PEN Kosovo, the Montenegrin PEN Centre, and Serbian PEN, is proud to launch a report that sheds light on the myriad of challenges faced by independent writers and journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. Titled Toxic Narratives: Silencing Expression in the Western Balkans, this pivotal report marks a crucial milestone in the fight for freedom of expression, opinion, and access to information in the Western Balkans region.

‘This report unearths the struggles and triumphs of independent voices determined to be heard in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. As PEN International President, I affirm our unwavering solidarity with these voices. This report is not just documentation; it is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of free expression. We will not stand idly by as voices are stifled. Together, we will craft a new narrative—one where the right to express oneself peacefully is respected,’ said Burhan Sonmez, PEN International President

Read the report in ENGLISH, BOSNIAN, MONTENEGRIN, SERBIAN, ALBANIAN.

Challenges Exposed Unveiled

Based on extensive desk research and interviews with 20 prominent figures in the field, the publication, authored by Professors Lejla Turčilo and Belma Buljubašić from the University of Sarajevo, address two key points:

The challenges that arise in societies grappling with post-conflict transitions, where freedom of expression can be particularly vulnerable.

The critical role of national and international actors in ensuring open public spaces for independent writers, journalists, theatres, publishing houses, artistic groups, and alternative media when challenging dominant narratives.

Key Findings

The report uncovers several alarming trends, including:

Undue restrictions on freedom of expression, especially for writers questioning official narratives and criticizing those in power.

Disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting writers and journalists, fostering impunity, and inciting physical attacks.

The unsettling practice of ‘silence buying’, where artists and writers receive public funds in exchange for avoiding criticism of authorities, leading to self-censorship.

A pervasive distrust in the police and the justice system, discouraging writers and journalists from reporting attacks and threats.

The ongoing stigmatization of independent voices by political leaders, fostering an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and division, and directly threatening peace and stability in the region.

Key calls

PEN International urgently calls upon the governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia to:

·        Publicly, unequivocally, and systematically condemn all acts of violence and targeted attacks against writers, journalists, and activists.

·        Ensure impartial, prompt, thorough, independent, and effective police investigations into all alleged crimes against writers and hold those responsible to account. Dedicate the resources necessary to investigate and prosecute attacks.

·        Establish an official Media Register with all the relevant media indicators to enhance transparency of media outlet ownership and ensure that those targeted have the necessary information for potential legal redress.

‘Divisive rhetoric in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo and Serbia is particularly dangerous as it directly threatens stability across the Western Balkans region. When the space for freedom of expression is curtailed, abuses of other human rights follow. This report is a bold testament to the resilience of those who refuse to be silenced. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of free expression, for without it there cannot be sustainable peace’, said Germán Rojas, Chair of the Writers for Peace Committee at PEN International

Read the report in ENGLISH, BOSNIAN, MONTENEGRIN, SERBIAN, ALBANIAN.

Launch Events in Sarajevo and Frankfurt (18 October)

Toxic Narratives: Silencing Expression in the Western Balkans will be launched today in Sarajevo at an event co-organised with PEN Bosnia and Herzegovina, at 7pm local time. The launch will feature an interactive panel discussion moderated by journalist Nidz̆ara Ahmetas̆ević, with the participation of authors of the report. Milan Marković, Secretary General of the Montenegrin PEN Centre, Romana Cacchioli, Executive Director of PEN International, and Andrea Lešić-Thomas, Vice President of PEN Bosnia and Herzegovina, will also be part of the panel.

The report will also be presented today at the Frankfurt Book Fair, at a panel moderated by Tanja Tuma, PEN Slovenia president and PEN International board member at 5pm local time, with the participation of distinguished panellists Alida Bremer, Croatian-German writer, translator, and literature researcher; and Vuk Čosić, Slovenian artist, strategist, and activist with Serbian roots. Both events will share the report’s key findings with PEN members, partners, media representatives, government officials and the public, and seek to engage in meaningful dialogue and advocacy for freedom of expression in the Western Balkans.

Note to editors:

·        To arrange media interviews and for further information, please contact Sabrina Tucci, PEN International Communications and Campaigns Manager, Sabrina.Tucci@pen-international.org