The Supreme Court of Republika Srpska has ruled in favor of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s public broadcaster BHRT in two legal cases against RTRS, the area-level broadcaster in Republika Srpska, over withheld funding. The decision could help resolve BHRT’s long-term financial instability and potentially pave the way for the country’s return to the Eurovision Song Contest.
The court annulled earlier rulings by lower courts in Banja Luka and ordered new proceedings, following a finding by the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina that BHRT’s rights had been violated. At issue is the division of funds collected through the country’s mandatory RTV tax, which BHRT says RTRS has refused to share since 2017.
“This is a turning point for the public broadcasting system of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said BHRT General Director Belmin Karamehmedović. “This does not mark the end of our efforts, but it is an important and positive step.”
BHRT claims that RTRS currently owes more than 98 million in unpaid tax revenue. While the ruling does not immediately guarantee the recovery of funds, BHRT officials said it strengthens their legal position and may help restore financial sustainability.
Attorney Damir Katica, who represented BHRT, said the ruling opens the way for consistent application of the law. “The Supreme Court annulled its own rulings, accepted BHRT’s revision, and returned the cases for retrial. We now expect steps toward full implementation of laws and decisions by top judicial institutions.”
Karamehmedović said BHRT will still have to go through the full legal process to claim the funds but called on political leaders to act to protect the broadcaster’s future.
BHRT has been unable to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2017 due to lack of funding. The court ruling has renewed discussions about whether Bosnia and Herzegovina might now return to the Eurovision Song Contest if funding issues are resolved.
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