Bosnian Serb lawmakers' controversial law sparks concerns over free speech

The Bosnian Serb parliament has passed a law recriminalizing libel, which critics argue will curtail freedom of expression and silence critical media. The law, championed by pro-Russian Bosnian Serb President Milorad Dodik, reintroduces fines of up to 60,000 euros for libel, far beyond the means of most people in the impoverished Balkan nation. Journalist organizations and international rights groups have called for the law to be revoked, warning of devastating consequences on freedom of speech. Bosnian Serb journalists have held protests against the amendment, while Dodik and his ruling party seek to tighten their grip on power in the Serb-run mini-state.