Bosnian Refugee Camp Lawsuit Heats Up

ICMPD Sues NGO SOS Balkanroute for Alleged Defamation

Case Raises Concerns Over Freedom of Expression and Refugee Rights

A legal battle is brewing over the construction of a detention center, including a prison, at the Lipa refugee camp in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On Tuesday, the Vienna Commercial Court will hear a lawsuit filed by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) against the NGO SOS Balkanroute. The lawsuit alleges that SOS Balkanroute has damaged the Centre's reputation by falsely accusing it of building a prison similar to Guantanamo Bay.

The case stems from SOS Balkanroute's criticism of the conditions at Lipa, which has been described as a "humanitarian disaster" by human rights groups. The NGO has accused the ICMPD, which is headquartered in Vienna, of complicity in the alleged abuses occurring at the camp.

The ICMPD has denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction and retraction. The Centre argues that SOS Balkanroute's claims are defamatory and have damaged its reputation. SOS Balkanroute has defended its criticism, arguing that it is based on evidence and falls under the protection of freedom of expression.

The case has raised concerns among human rights groups, who fear that it could have a chilling effect on the work of NGOs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They argue that the lawsuit is an attempt to silence criticism of the conditions at Lipa and to intimidate those who speak out.