Media in Post-Conflict Transitions: Balancing Protection Against Violence and Freedom of Expression

Abstract

Media are a crucial battleground in post-conflict reconstruction. On the one hand media may ignite tensions and induce renewed violence by spreading dangerous expressions. On the other hand free and diverse media underpin a society that tries to shift from authoritarianism to democracy. From a human rights perspective, the freedom of expression is pitted against the right to life, related to the protection of people against violence. This chapter investigates how these tensions work out in practice by focusing on two case studies: Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.