Between Fragmentation and Protection: Incitement to Violence and Hatred in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Between Fragmentation and Protection: Incitement to Violence and Hatred in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the result of a sustained academic and professional engagement with the phenomenon of hate speech and, more specifically, the criminalization of incitement to violence and hatred in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In recent years, the regulation of such conduct has become increasingly relevant, not only as a matter of criminal law, but also as a broader societal and constitutional concern in post-conflict and pluralistic societies. This work seeks to provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis of criminal offences related to incitement to violence and hatred across the different jurisdictions within Bosnia and Herzegovina. It combines doctrinal analysis, comparative insights, and empirical observations in order to present a nuanced understanding of both the normative framework and its practical application. Particular attention is devoted to the relationship between criminal law and international human rights standards, especially the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. The book is intended for a broad audience, including academics, legal practitioners, judges, prosecutors, policymakers, and students of criminal law and human rights. It aims not only to clarify existing legal provisions, but also to contribute to ongoing discussions on legal reform and the harmonization of criminal law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finally, this monograph reflects the author’s belief that criminal law, while an essential tool in combating incitement to violence and hatred, must be applied with caution, precision, and a constant awareness of fundamental rights. Striking the appropriate balance between protecting society and preserving freedom of expression remains one of the most demanding tasks of contemporary criminal justice systems