The High Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina Valentin Inzko stressed today that the authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina must protect journalists and ensure that they can perform their professional duties without being intimidated or threatened.

-Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina must protect journalists and ensure that they can perform their professional duties without threats against media professionals represent an attack on human rights.&nbsp;Media freedom and freedom of expression are fundamental values and essential pillars of democracy. Unfortunately, such attacks are on the rise in B&amp;H- High Representative Valentin Inzko stated today, commenting on the recent attack against Face TV journalist, Senad Hadžifejzović.He added that attacks against media cannot be tolerated and each and every case must be properly addressed.
-Journalists play a vital role in every democratic society and law enforcement authorities must ensure their safety and demonstrate that there can be no impunity for attacks against them- the High Representative stated.

Media freedom and freedom of expression are fundamental values and essential pillars of democracy, he added

Inzko: Journalists play a vital role in every democratic society

Inzko: Authorities in B&H must protect journalists

In the past 24 hours, 1,349 samples were registered with the Public Health Institute of the Federation of B&amp;H, of which 54 were positive for SARS-CoV-2.

New cases have been registered in all the cantons in the Federation of B&amp;H.
In the past 24 hours, 27 new deaths were reported to the Public Health Institute of the Federation of B&amp;H.
As of today, the number of deaths in the Federation of B&amp;H is 5,275.
In the last 24 hours, 137 samples were tested in the Brčko District of B&amp;H, of which five were positive. 10 people have recovered and there are currently 183 active cases of the COVID infection.
The Institute of Public Health of the entity of the RS tested 455 samples and coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed in 20 people.
In the last 24 hours, five deaths were reported to the RS Institute of Public Health.
So far, a total of 3,701 people have died in the RS.
The total number of hospitalized in the entity is 256.

New cases have been registered in all the cantons in the Federation of B&H

In the last 24 hours, 137 samples were tested in the Brčko District of B&H, of which five were positive

COVID-19 confirmed in 79 people, with 32 deaths in the last 24 hours

Ambassador Nelson, Delegation of the European Union to B&amp;H, Ambassador Johann Sattler and OSCEB&amp;H Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec addressed the Interagency Working Group (IAWG) today to underscore the urgent need for internationally-recommended reforms to make BiH’s electoral system more fair, transparent, and effective,&nbsp;the US Embassy in B&amp;H wrote on Twitter.
-We welcome the IAWG’s work on these reforms with the aim of submitting a legislative package to Parliament this year. CEC experts and civil society voices must be heard in these discussions for reforms to be fully and effectively implemented in time for next year’s elections-&nbsp;it was stated from the Embassy.

We welcome the IAWG’s work on these reforms with the aim of submitting a legislative package to Parliament this year

US Embassy: CEC experts and civil society voices must be heard

Željka Tomić, the acting prosecutor of the Sarajevo prosecutor's office who is conducting an investigation against Abdulah Hajdarević, suspected of endangering the safety of Senad Hadžifejzović, editor and owner of Face TV, filed a complaint this morning due to the suspect's release, the "Avaz" portal has learned.
The prosecutor appealed against the decision of the Municipal Court in Sarajevo, which imposed on Hajdarević measures banning him from approaching Hadžifejzović, thenewsroom, as well as the measure of mandatory reporting to the competent Police Administration, once a week.
We remind you that Hajdarević tried to break into the television premises with the intention of attacking Hadžifejzović, but the security prevented him and called the police, who arrested him.

Hajdarević tried to break into the newsroom with the intention of attacking Hadžifejzović, but security prevented him and called the police, who arrested him

Hajdarević intended to attack Hadžifejzović

Prosecutor Tomić files appeal against release of Hajdarević who threatened Senad Hadžifejzović

Representatives of the international community in Bosnia and Herzegovina pointed out at today's session of the Interdepartmental Working Group for Amendments to the Electoral Legislation the need for substantial changes in order to strengthen democracy because elections are the basis of any democratic society.

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to BiH and the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ambassador Johann Sattler called on the members of the Group to work on amending the electoral legislation in terms of enabling the implementation of Constitutional Court and European Court of Human Rights judgments, OSCE, ODIHR and the Venice Commission recommendations.

<h2> In accordance with EU standards</h2>

This is important to do in order to restore the trust of citizens in the election process, as well as to ensure that it is in line with European standards because numerous, major shortcomings of that process have been noticed.

"Counting each vote without manipulation is the obligation of all those responsible. There is no reason not to make changes to the electoral legislation, which were pointed out by election observers several times," he underlined.
He noted that filling the polling committees is one of the problems that needs to be addressed. There are technological solutions that would ensure greater transparency, as well as training of people involved in the election process, and all these are changes that should ensure the efficiency of the electoral system.
The members of the Interdepartmental Working Group were also addressed by the Ambassador of the United States of America to Bosnia and Herzegovina Eric Nelson, who noted that not everything is expected to be resolved at once, but it is necessary to focus on changes that have a chance to be implemented.
Given the limited time this year when changes to the electoral legislation should be made, Nelson reminded that everything proposed by the Interdepartmental Working Group will be the subject of discussions in the BiH Parliament.
"It is important to make sure that attempts made to make reforms that would reverse the election process and make it less transparent are stopped," he underlined.

Addressing the members of the Group, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kathleen Kavalec, announced that she would continue to provide professional, technical and logistical assistance in the demanding process and in the work of the Group at all stages.

She said that the OSCE Mission had previously worked with representatives of the Central Election Commission (CEC), who are not part of this Interdepartmental Working Group, on amendments to bylaws, which is the responsibility of the CEC.
She, therefore, asked for them to be included, adding that the CEC must participate in the work of the Interdepartmental Working Group because it is an institution that will implement all reforms that are adopted, and their knowledge would be useful for better solutions.

Counting each vote without manipulation is the obligation of all those responsible, Sattler underlined

Nelson: Amendments to the Election Law should not be postponed, those who commit election fraud should be prosecuted

127 new members joined the Alliance for a Better Future of B&amp;H in Mostar. On that occasion, a ceremony was held last night in the town on the Neretva river, which was also attended by the president of SBB, Fahrudin Radončić.
After handing out membership cards, President Radončić addressed the new members, most of whom are young people.
He said, among other things, that SBB, as a party of the center, with its original principles, which put the economy and the fight against poverty at the top of priorities, is necessary for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosniak people.
SBB Commissioner for HNK Lejla Lizde and SBB City Board President Alma Pašić stated in their address that the Alliance in Herzegovina is getting stronger every day and that this trend will certainly continue.
After the ceremonial part of the program, the president of SBB took a walk through Mostar and in a very pleasant atmosphere socialized with the citizens and new members of SBB.
Due to compliance with all epidemiological measures, the hand out of membership cards and the meeting were held in separate rooms, the SBB said.

Radončić said that SBB, as a party of the center, with its original principles, which put the economy and the fight against poverty at the top of priorities, is necessary for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Bosniak people

After the ceremonial part of the program, the president of SBB took a walk through Mostar

127 new members joined SBB in Mostar

Austrian Integration Minister Susanne Raab Tuesday defended a contentious “Islam map" amid mounting criticism within the country’s Muslim community.

-This is by no means a general suspicion of Muslims. It's about the common struggle against political Islam as a breeding ground for extremism- Raab told the German WELT newspaper.
Raab launched an Internet website called the "National Map of Islam" last week with the names and locations of more than 620 mosques, associations and officials.
Many Muslims feel stigmatized and their security threatened by the publication of addresses and other details amid growing Islamophobia in Austria, especially in the wake of a deadly Islamist terror attack in Vienna last November.
Islamic Religious Community in Austria (IGGOE), which represents the interests of roughly 800,000 Muslims in Austria, warned against stigmatizing all Muslims living in that country "as a potential danger to society and the democratic legal order in the country."
This campaign is fueling racism and "exposes Muslim citizens to a massive security risk," IGGOE added.
The Muslim Youth of Austria (MJOE) announced over the weekend that they would file a lawsuit against the map.
Reacting to Raab’s statements, the Vienna-based newspaper DER STANDARD warned in an op-ed piece that this map would “not only fuel Islamophobic attitudes” but could “even facilitate Islamophobic acts of violence.”
Meanwhile, the Council of Europe on Monday called upon Austria to withdraw the map.
Publication of the map is hostile to Muslims and potentially counterproductive, Europe’s leading human rights organization said in a statement.
It added the map served “existing resentments” and many Muslims feel it as “extremely discriminatory.”
The statement reiterated Muslims “feel stigmatized and threatened in their security by the publication of addresses and other details.”
The Austrian integration minister also rejected criticism that the map would put representatives of Islam at risk.
-If you now say that you are founding an Islamic association, but you don't want anyone to know, let alone what you are doing and who you are, then that shows exactly the problem: namely, that you prefer to preach in private back rooms.-The map is also in the interests of Muslims who do not want to have anything to do with extremist currents, Raab said.
-You should also know which mosque you are going to and what structures and ideologies are behind it- she added.
Austrian Muslims are deeply concerned over ongoing attempts by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz to instrumentalize political Islam for his far-right agenda.

'National Map of Islam' could facilitate Islamophobic acts of violence, leading Austrian newspaper warns

Many Muslims feel stigmatized and their security threatened by the publication of addresses and other details amid growing Islamophobia in Austria, especially in the wake of a deadly Islamist terror attack in Vienna last November

Austrian integration minister defends controversial 'Islam map'

Turkey has announced new travel restrictions for passengers entering the country in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Under the new measure by the official authorities, passengers departing from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka will be quarantined for 14 days in locations determined by the governorships, according to a statement shared by Turkish Airlines on Tuesday.
Passengers who have been to these countries in the last 14 days will also be requested to submit a negative result of the PCR test conducted a maximum of 72 hours before entering Turkey.
The flight bans to Brazil and South Africa ended (as of June 1) under this new measure, the national flag carrier stressed.
Passengers coming from the United Kingdom, Iran, Egypt, and Singapore will be required to submit a negative result of their PCR tests conducted a maximum of 72 hours before entry.
Passengers from other countries will not need to submit a negative PCR test result and not be quarantined if they have been vaccinated at least 14 days before the entrance to Turkey and/or have had the disease and recovered within the last six months.
-If passengers departing from these countries cannot submit a vaccine certificate or the documents proving that they have had the disease according to the stated rules, submission of a PCR negative test result made maximum 72 hours before the entrance to Turkey, or negative rapid antigen test result made maximum 48 hours before the entrance to Turkey will be deemed sufficient- it said.​​​​​​​

Rule applies to passengers departing from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

The flight bans to Brazil and South Africa ended (as of June 1) under this new measure, the national flag carrier stressed

Turkey imposes 14-day quarantine for arrivals from 8 countries

The United States Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eric Nelson talked today with the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and leader of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD) Milorad Dodik about the appointment of Christian Schmidt as the new High Representative in B&amp;H.

Nelson emphasized the US support for the new High Representative in B&amp;H and the vital role of the OHR in implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement.
-We encourage political leaders to focus on the reforms needed to advance B&amp;H's European path and improve the economy so that B&amp;H depends as little as possible on international supervision. The rhetoric of division only slows down the progress that will benefit all citizens of B&amp;H- it was stated on the Twitter account of the US Embassy in B&amp;H.
Schmidt was appointed High Representative in B&amp;H last week, while he is due to take office on August 1. Valentin Inzko, who has held the post so far, has resigned.
As the eighth High Representative of the international community in B&amp;H, Schmidt announced that the basis of his activities in B&amp;H will be to work in agreement with representatives of the international community, elected officials, B&amp;H citizens and young people.
Immediately after Schmidt's appointment, Dodik said that "Republic of Srpska does not accept the appointment of a German diplomat as High Representative in B&amp;H, nor any of his competencies," assessing that "it is a non-procedural appointment."
Political representatives from the entity of Republic of Srpska should meet with the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, tomorrow with the aim to discuss this appointment.

The rhetoric of division only slows down the progress that will benefit all citizens of B&H, Nelson emphasized

Nelson speaks with Dodik about the appointment of the new HR Christian Schmidt

In the early morning hours, the Service for Foreigners Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina undertook activities aimed at controlling the movement and stay of migrants in the area of the city of Bihać at four locations, where migrants gathered and stayed in an improvised accommodation.

Inspectors of the Service for Foreigners' Affairs found 62 migrants at those locations, mostly citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and they were relocated, accommodated and taken care of in the temporary reception center Lipa.
Currently, the activities of medical examination, identification and registration of the migrants are being carried out, as well as accommodation in the preventive isolation part of the temporary reception center Lipa.
The activities were carried out in cooperation with the police officers of the Ministry of the Interior of the USC, and with the support of the medical team of the humanitarian organization SOS Bihać, stated the Service for Foreigners Affairs of B&amp;H.&nbsp;

Most of them are  citizens of Pakistan and Afghanistan

Currently, the activities of medical examination, identification and registration of the migrants are being carried out, as well as accommodation in the preventive isolation part of the temporary reception center Lipa

Sixty-two migrants relocated from downtown Bihać to Lipa reception center

A total of 2,099 samples were registered with the Public Health Institute of the Federation of B&amp;H in the past 24 hours, of which 41 were positive for SARS-CoV-2.

In the past 24 hours, 14 new deaths were reported to the Public Health Institute of the Federation of B&amp;H.
As of today, the number of deaths in the Federation of B&amp;H is 5,248.
Out of 134 tested persons, 9 newly infected people were registered in the Brčko District. 184 cases are still active and six people recovered.
In the last 24 hours, 496 samples were tested at the Institute of Public Health of the entity of Republic of Srpska. Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was confirmed in 31 people.
Three deaths were reported to the RS Institute of Public Health in the last 24 hours.
So far, a total of 3,695 people have died in the entity.
The total number of hospitalized in the RS is 258.

Out of 134 tested persons, 9 newly infected people were registered in the Brčko District

As of today, the number of deaths in the Federation of B&H is 5,248

COVID-19 confirmed in 81 people in B&H, with 17 deaths

A few days ago, SDA President Bakir Izetbegović stated that Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most successful in the region in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
- Yes, there were mistakes and there were omissions, but the truth that the numbers show and prove is different from what perception is. It may seem small and unbelievable to people, but B&amp;H is probably the most successful in the region and slightly better than the EU average in almost all aspects, along with these two problems of ventilators procurement and slow vaccine procurement, when it comes to slowing the spread of the infection and the economic aspect, the answer to economic problems - said Izetbegović.

How true this statement of Izetbegović is, we will show on the basis of official statistical data. According to the American Johns Hopkins University, B&amp;H is the third in the world in terms of the number of deaths. Namely, our country has 277.73 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, and the Czech Republic and Hungary have a higher incidence, which are in second and first place in this parameter.
According to the university, B&amp;H has 203,839 confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and more than 9,200 people have died, which is 4.52 percent of the total number of patients. No country in Europe, not even the Czech Republic or Hungary, has a higher percentage of deaths.
Serbia has the best result in the region - 0.96 percent, followed by Montenegro with 1.59 percent, Slovenia (1.72), Albania (1.85), Kosovo (2.10), Croatia (2.25) and Northern Macedonia (3.48). If we single out the region of the Western Balkans - it is not difficult to conclude that B&amp;H is by far the worst country by all statistical parameters.
When it comes to vaccination, at the back of Europe and the region, together with Kosovo, you guessed it, Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the data of the page "Our World in Data", as of May 25th, 5.76 percent of citizens in B&amp;H have been vaccinated.
The European average is currently 31.24 percent vaccinated, which means that our country is as much as 6 times worse than the European average. When it comes to the region, Serbia has already greatly exceeded the European average and now has about 37 percent of those vaccinated, 30.95 percent of citizens in Croatia, 20.98 percent in Montenegro, about 17 percent in Albania and 11 percent in Northern Macedonia. Compared to B&amp;H, according to the number of vaccinated, only Kosovo is worse, where this page records the number of 3 percent vaccinated.

Mathematician and Nobel laureate John Nash is famous for his saying "I believe in numbers". Although Bakir Izetbegović is trying to convince us that we should trust him, and not to trust our own eyes, claiming that the government is coping well with the corona crisis, the numbers in this case are inexorable – B&amp;H is at the very bottom of Europe in terms of mortality and vaccination.
Fortunately, the number of deaths has decreased significantly in recent days, thanks to the end of the pandemic. However, mass vaccination is needed to safely avoid the fourth wave, and the government still fails to procure vaccines, although Izetbegović's Prime Minister Fadil Novalić announced back in March that the vaccines would arrive "on Monday". Another SDA cadre, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of B&amp;H Muhamed Čengić, shortly after the first democratic elections in 1990, made the famous statement "as of Monday, the rule of law".
Let's just hope that in terms of vaccines with the SDA, in the end we will not have the same scenario as with the rule of law that they announced in 1990.

It should be emphasized that the authorities in B&amp;H, more precisely the SDA, which has been in power for the past 30 years, have not yet managed to provide even the approximately required number of vaccines. A total of about 600,000 vaccines entered the country, which is not nearly enough for mass immunization of the population. Most of what we received came as alms and donations from friendly countries.
Moreover, Bakir's Federal Prime Minister Fadil Novalić is the only prime minister in the region who has failed to buy a single dose of the vaccine in a direct negotiation process. At the same time, due to "problems" with ventilators, as minimized by Izetbegović, Novalić is on the dock before the Court of B&amp;H as the first accused in the "Ventilators" affair.

<h2>Novalić is still preparing contracts, and the vaccines are nowhere to be found</h2>

The Prime Minister of the Federation, Fadil Novalić, is still preparing procurement contracts, and the vaccines are nowhere to be found. Yesterday, he received the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to B&amp;H, Yi Ping, with whom he discussed the procurement of vaccines. Novalić said that, when it comes to the direct procurement of vaccines, market analyzes and tests showed that Chinese companies complied with all deadlines and agreements. The FB&amp;H has directly negotiated the procurement of 500,000 doses of "Sinopharm" vaccine, all the requirements of the Chinese side have been met and this contract is currently being signed.

At yesterday's session of the Crisis Staff of Serbia, a new decision was made on the monetary rewarding of citizens who are vaccinated. It is practically an extension of the original deadline that expired last night, May 31st. The Crisis Staff has now decided that a compensation of 3,000 dinars will be available to all those over the age of 16 who applied for vaccination yesterday and who get vaccinated within seven days.

Let's just hope that in terms of vaccines with the SDA, in the end we will not have the same scenario as with the rule of law that they announced in 1990.

Bakir, where are the vaccines?

To prove that the academic education of Sebija Izetbegović, professor and director of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo (KCUS), is flawless, regime media and „raspberry journalists“ published her "Zagreb" student booklet a few days ago from an alleged postgraduate study in the Croatian capital.

The faster - the better, the internet portals that have a total of 12 visits during the day, declared as liars all those who dared to problematize Izetbegović's academic education and point out illogicalities.
But in a hurry, the services, the intelligence, the bots, the SDA, Sebija and the media she controls, didn't notice two things. One is the date on the student booklet from the postgraduate study, which refers to the year when she graduated from the Medical Faculty in Sarajevo, and the other, when and how she passed the first exam in Zagreb.
But, let's start from the beginning, because everything around Sebija is full of ambiguities and confusing data.
Sebija Izetbegović, who studied for 11 years, wrote in her official biography that she graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Sarajevo in 1989. However, the Almanac of the Medical Faculty in Sarajevo states that she graduated in 1984, and thhe student booklet published by the media close to the SDA lists year 1988 as the year she graduated.

On the other hand, it is illogical how and when Sebija Izetbegović passed the first exam at the "postgraduate" study in Zagreb in 1993.
In her application in August 1994, she wrote the following to the Council for Scientific Research and Postgraduate Studies in Sarajevo:
"I enrolled in postgraduate studies on March 2nd, 1993 at the University of Zagreb - Faculty of Medicine. Complete classes - lectures, exercises and consultations, as well as exams were conducted in English. Unfortunately, due to political circumstances I had to leave Zagreb without passing four out of a total of 14 exams, please allow me to take the remaining exams and write my master's thesis. "
However, the published „Zagreb“ student booklet reveals that Sebija Izetbegović, as she stated, enrolled in postgraduate studies on March 2nd, 1993, and already on March 19nd, more precisely in 17 days, passed the first exam.
The real question is when and how Sebija Izetbegović attended classes in the semester, because then the classes lasted for two years. In addition, each semester had a number of hours of practical work that had to be done in order to take the exam.

The student booklet reveals that two months later, Sebija passed two more exams, more precisely on May 6th and 28th.
We remind you of the statement of Professor Sanja Kupešić, who worked at the "Sveti Duh" Clinic from 1987 to 2006 and who explained who and when could take the exam.
- Every registered postgraduate student in "Ultrasound in Gynecology and Obstetrics" in Croatian or "Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology" in English, who successfully completed the curriculum (regularly attended classes and practical work, more than 80 percent), gained the right to take the exam, during which she/he received a record with a list of questions and grade, which was entered into the student booklet with the date and signature of the examiner - explained prof. Kupešić.
However, she told "Avaz" that she does not remember that Dr. Izetbegović "was a registered student of formal ultrasound postgraduate classes in Zagreb" nor that she took exams at her class.
In addition to all that, Sebija stated that she passed 10 exams, which, for now, it is not known how and on the basis of which certificates, was recognized by the Council for Scientific Research and Postgraduate Studies in Sarajevo.

She enrolled in postgraduate studies on March 2nd, 1993, and passed her first exam on March 19th. When and how did she attend classes in the semester

Who is lying to whom: How did Sebija Izetbegović pass the first exam in 17 days

The first instance disciplinary commission of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council (HJPC) has scheduled the beginning of disciplinary proceedings against Ranko Debevec, the president of the Court of B&amp;H, for June 7th, the "Avaz" portal has learned.
The Office of the Disciplinary Prosecutor (UDT) filed a lawsuit against Debevac on April 2nd this year, and a preparatory hearing is scheduled for Monday.

As it was announced at that time from the Office of the Disciplinary Prosecutor, the lawsuit against Debevec refers to inappropriate contact with the person against whom the proceedings are being conducted before the court he manages.
This is Osman Mehmedagić, the director of ISA, as evidenced by the published photos in the media.
The second count charges Debevec with making comments of inappropriate content through communication with the prosecutor who is acting in the case in which the defendant is a participant in the proceedings.
The report was filed by prosecutor Vedrana Mijović, who charged and formed a case against Debevec.
The report alleges that Debevec put pressure on her by sending her text messages in an attempt to stop or redirect the flow of prosecutorial checks on allegations in the criminal charges against him.
- From the above messages sent to me, a clear and unambiguous conclusion can be drawn that, using his influence, the President of the Court of B&amp;H fojund out that I, as the acting prosecutor, sent requests to the HJPC and SC MUP for official data ie the information they have about him - Mijović stated in the report to the HJPC Office.
According to the third point of the lawsuit, Debevec is charged with intentionally providing insufficient information to the HJPC on property abroad, through personal financial reports submitted to the Council.
Specifically, Debevec is accused of not declaring property in Spain, but also of intentionally providing false, misleading or insufficient information regarding job applications and promotion issues or any other matters within the competence of the Council.

He was reported to the Office of the Disciplinary Prosecutor that he hid this information when applying for the position of prosecutor, and later judge, as well as in the application for the head of the Court of B&amp;H.

After all, Debevec used the dual citizenship of Spain, and it is disputable that B&amp;H has not signed an agreement on dual citizenship with the Kingdom of Spain. This means that Debevec could not even have dual citizenship of B&amp;H and Spain.

The Office of the Disciplinary Prosecutor (UDT) filed a lawsuit against Debevac on April 2nd this year

The disciplinary proceedings against Ranko Debevac will begin next week

A prominent Kremlin critic faced a criminal probe in Russia Tuesday after being pulled off a Warsaw-bound flight as police searched the homes of several government opponents.

Kremlin critics have accused authorities of launching a campaign of arrests and intimidation against opponents of President Vladimir Putin ahead of parliamentary elections in September.
Political activist Andrei Pivovarov was pulled off a Warsaw-bound plane in Saint Petersburg late on Monday.
Pivovarov, the former executive director of the recently disbanded Open Russia group, said the plane was preparing for take-off when he was removed by police.
Police searched his Saint Petersburg apartment overnight and a criminal probe was launched against the 39-year-old activist for cooperating with an "undesirable organisation," Pivovarov's team said on Facebook.
His lawyer Sergei Badamshin confirmed the launch of the case to AFP but declined to provide any details. Pivovarov faces up to six years in prison if convicted.
Open Russia, founded by self-exiled Putin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, announced last week it was shutting down to shield its members from prosecution.
It was designated an "undesirable" organisation in Russia in 2017 in line with a law targeting foreign-funded groups accused of political meddling.
Police also conducted searches Monday morning at the country house outside Moscow of former opposition lawmaker Dmitry Gudkov and the homes of his allies, he said.
-I don't know what the formal reason (for the searches) is. The real one is clear- he said on messaging app Telegram. 
Dmitry's father Gennady Gudkov, who is also a former lawmaker and lives outside Russia, said police searched the homes of several other relatives.
-A beautiful morning in Putin's Russia- Gennady Gudkov tweeted. 
Putin's leading domestic opponent, Alexei Navalny, was sentenced earlier this year to two-and-a-half years in a penal colony on old fraud charges that he says are politically motivated, and authorities are gearing up to outlaw his political network.

Political activist Andrei Pivovarov was pulled off a Warsaw-bound plane in Saint Petersburg late on Monday

Andrei Pivovarov, the head of Open Russia movement, during his arrest in St Petersburg today

New police raids in Russia, critic pulled off flight

Israel inched closer to lifting Covid restrictions Tuesday as its caseload remains tiny following a sweeping nationwide vaccination campaign. 

People are no longer required to show vaccination certificates to enter restaurants and entertainment venues, and capacity limits on businesses have been lifted. 
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said his office would discuss ending an indoor mask requirement over the coming two weeks. 
-The Israeli economy and public may have some more breathing space-, he said in a statement announcing the changes.
The country remains largely closed to travellers from abroad, however, the tourism ministry said, except for first-degree relatives, some experts, and vaccinated tourists participating in a pilot programme.
On Tuesday, there were just four new positive cases of the virus, and 350 actively sick people in Israel.
At the peak of the epidemic in early 2021, Israel saw 10,000 new cases a day and 88,000 active cases.
The changes became possible after Israel obtained millions of doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. More than 90 percent of people in Israel aged 50 and over have been vaccinated or recovered from the virus.
Children continue to be required to wear masks in school, as under-18s have yet to be vaccinated in large numbers. 
Covid-19 cases among Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank have also declined in recent weeks as vaccines from the Covax campaign for poorer countries have been distributed. 
Israel has faced criticism for refusing to vaccinate most Palestinians living in the West Bank, or in the Gaza Strip, which is under Israeli blockade. Israeli citizens living in West Bank settlements have been eligible to take part in its vaccination programme.
Israel has said the Palestinian administrations in the West Bank and Gaza are responsible for obtaining vaccines. 
In Gaza, the coronavirus response has been hobbled by 11 days of devastating Israeli air strikes last month in retaliation for Hamas rocket fire over tensions in Jerusalem.
The enclave's only laboratory conducting Covid tests was hit in a strike, and two doctors were killed in a bombardment. Tens of thousands of people seeking shelter could not socially distance. 
Gaza recorded 246 new cases of the virus Monday, while the West Bank recorded 56.

People are no longer required to show vaccination certificates to enter restaurants and entertainment venues, and capacity limits on businesses have been lifted

Israel has implemented one of the most effective Covid vaccination programmes in the world but has faced criticism for refusing to inoculate most residents of the Palestinian territories it occupies

Inzko: Authorities in B&H must protect journalists

COVID-19 confirmed in 79 people, with 32 deaths in the last 24 hours

US Embassy: CEC experts and civil society voices must be heard

Prosecutor Tomić files appeal against release of Hajdarević who threatened Senad Hadžifejzović

Nelson: Amendments to the Election Law should not be postponed, those who commit election fraud should be prosecuted

127 new members joined SBB in Mostar

Austrian integration minister defends controversial 'Islam map'

Turkey imposes 14-day quarantine for arrivals from 8 countries

Nelson speaks with Dodik about the appointment of the new HR Christian Schmidt

Sixty-two migrants relocated from downtown Bihać to Lipa reception center

COVID-19 confirmed in 81 people in B&H, with 17 deaths

Bakir, where are the vaccines?

Who is lying to whom: How did Sebija Izetbegović pass the first exam in 17 days

The disciplinary proceedings against Ranko Debevac will begin next week

New police raids in Russia, critic pulled off flight

Israel eases COVID restrictions after mass vaccination

News

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Israel eases COVID restrictions after mass vaccination