Support for “Oslobođenje”

The “Oslobođenje” newspaper published daily throughout the war years despite the destruction of its building, the death of several journalists and material difficulties. It became a pillar of the spiritual resistance against the siege and a symbol of the fight for a democratic and multiethnic Bosnia and Herzegovina. This triggered the admiration of many fellow journalists and other persons throughout the world. Numerous newspapers and other organisations tried to support “Oslobođenje”, with the organisation “Reporters sans frontières” being at the forefront of this campaign. The support included material and financial help, awards, and reproduction of articles or entire editions of “Oslobođenje” in other languages.

One example is that on April 5, 1993, for the first anniversary of the siege of Sarajevo, 33 newspapers around the world agreed to print a facsimile edition of Oslobođenje. Concurrently, 30 writers participated in the “Open letter to Sarajevo” campaign, writing messages printed in Oslobođenje and other journals.

Among the international awards “Oslobođenje” received during the war figured the Sacharow Prize, given by the European Parliament in 1993, and the Alfonso Comin Award – won jointly with the town of Tuzla – by the Alfonso Comin Foundation in Barcelona, also in 1993.