Based on the article "HTV journalist confirmed to Index: director of HRT called a journalist Chetnik whore" published on the website Index.hr on 18th October 2009, and taking into consideration  that incident had been confirmed by four prominent journalist (Lela Knežević, Maja Sever, Robert Zuber, Sanja Pavić-Mikleušević), The Steering Board of  Academy for Political Development, with support of over 60 members and participants of Academy’s programme, publicly objects the statement made. Although we believe that aforementioned journalists were wrong to disregard the procedure for reporting of discrimination and violation of dignity of employees at the HRT, the nature of these insults requires a reaction. The Constitution of the Republic of Croatia and a truly democratic society that we aspire to develop can not tolerate chauvinistic outburst such as this one.  It is important to emphasize the fact that the journalist was offended by her highest superior.

We believe that Croatian Radiotelevision, being a public information service, must be able to conduct impartial, transparent and thorough internal investigation, in accordance with prescribed legal practice.

Finally, we wish to express our support to Academy’s member Ivana Dragičević Veličković, who has found herself, against her own will or doing, in the center of another HRT scandal. We also want to highlight social responsibility of each individual - the importance of timely response in case a person has witnessed a similar incident, as well as the necessity of a proper institutional response.

Academy for Political Development is a programme of political education for young leaders from politics, business, public administration, civil society and media. Our vision is to contribute to the quality of political processes in Croatia by providing political education to young leaders and by motivating them to participate in public affairs, and our mission is developing democratic political culture and promoting dialogue and cooperation among future leaders.

For further information, please contact Executive Director Nevena Crljenko, on 099 3003 101.

Branislav Bibić, President of the Steering Board