Reuters
Bosnia's autonomous Serb Republic on Thursday moved towards criminalising acts of defamation and insult despite international criticism and protests by journalists who see the new law as a crackdown on free speech. The regional parliament passed draft amendments to the criminal code introducing fines of 3,000 to 60,000 euros ($3,200-$65,000) for damaging a person's honour or reputation and for publishing damaging videos, photos or documents without consent. The legislation has prompted a public outcry since it was announced in early March, with journalists, civil society activists and diplomats saying it aimed to silence independent media.