IFCN Code of Principles

Istinomjer

Organization: Istinomjer

Applicant: Amina Izmirlić Ćatović

Assessor: Ivana Jeremic

Background

Istinomjer is one of the pioneers of fact-checking in the Balkans and the first such outlet in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In years it has proved to be a great example of how the IFCN code of principles and values are being implemented and promoted in the region.

Assessment Conclusion

Istinomjer kept its objectivity and non-bias reporting since the last assessment. It has published hundreds of different forms of fact-checks and has contributed enormously to the fight against false information since the start of the pandemic. Once again, they proved to be a valuable partner within the International Fact-Checking community and deserve to have their status renewed.

on 02-Nov-2021 (3 years ago)

Ivana Jeremic assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

Istinomjer je zadržao svoju objektivnost i nepristrasnost u izveštavanju od poslednje aplikacije. Objavili su stotine različitih tekstova i izrazito doprineli u borbi protiv lažnih informacija od početka pandemije. Još jednom su se pokazali kao vredan partner u međunarodnoj zajednici za proveru činjenica i zaslužuju da im se status obnovi.

Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory

To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria

1.1 The applicant is a legally registered organization, or a distinct team or unit within a legally registered organization, and details of this are easily found on its website.
1.2 The team, unit or organization is set up exclusively for the purpose of fact-checking.
1.3 The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application. For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track. Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.
1.4 On average, at least 75% of the applicant’s fact checks focus on claims related to issues that, in the view of the IFCN, relate to or could have an impact on the welfare or well-being of individuals, the general public or society.
1.5 The applicant’s editorial output is not, in the view of the IFCN, controlled by the state, a political party or politician.
1.6 If the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, it provides a statement on its site setting out to the satisfaction of the IFCN, how it ensures its funders do not influence the findings of its reports.

Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer is a project developed by the Civic Association "Why not?" which is a legal entity registered in the register of civic associations within the Ministry of Justice of FBiH on January 9th 2001 under No. 56, Book 1 of the register, with registration number 03-054-992/97-2.

Decision on the Registration along with the Statute of the organization is attached in the application.

https://zastone.ba/en/programs/responsible-government/istinomjer/

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Note: We have attached the documents in the application, but our experience over the year showed that it frequently does not save them. So we can deliver them by email also.

Files Attached

Decision on the Regi... (1 MB) Statute of the organ... (1 MB)

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago)

Istinomjer is a fact-checking project established by Zasto ne (Why not) Civic Association, which is a legally registered entity. Details about Istinomjer could be found on their website and the one belonging to their founder.

1.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please answer the following questions – (see notes in Guidelines for Application on how to answer)

1. When and why was your fact-checking operation started?
2. How many people work or volunteer in the organization and what are their roles?
3. What different activities does your organization carry out?
4. What are the goals of your fact-checking operation over the coming year?

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

1. Our work started in 2010 when we presented the results of the fulfillment of pre-election promises given for the 2006-2010 term. Istinomjer was established as an initiative that focuses on the promotion of the responsibility of political parties participating in the executive branch, as well as holders of public office who have responsibility towards the citizens of BiH. Its goal was to direct the political and public discourse in BiH as much as possible towards the promotion of political responsibility as a fundamental principle of democracy.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

2. Our team currently has 10 members, of which one member is a project manager, two members are editors and researchers, one memer is a creative manager while the other six members are researchers. The positions of the Istinomjer team members as well as their biographies can be found here.

https://istinomjer.ba/istinomjer-tim/

3. In addition to evaluating the statements of public office holders from BiH in terms of their consistency/inconsistency, truthfulness/untruthfulness and fulfillment of the promises they make in their public appearances on a daily basis, Istinomjer is implementing several other projects. Thus, in the 2018-2022 term, Istinomjer is monitoring the degree of fulfillment of pre-election promises at the level of the BiH Council of Ministers, the Government of Republika Srpska and the Government of Sarajevo Canton (all three governments that were formed in this canton during this term). In addition, we monitor the level of fulfillment of about 1,000 pre-election promises in 17 local governments in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For all the mentioned promises, Istinomjer, after the first 100 days of work, and after the first, second, third and fourth year of work, publishes a report on the work of that level of government and the degree of fulfillment of the given pre-election promises.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

https://istinomjer.ba/predizborna_obecanja/opci-izbori/2018-2022/

https://istinomjer.ba/predizborna_obecanja/lokalni-izbori/2020-2024/

Due to the fact that the Istinomjer is part of the CA "Why Not?" it is worth mentioning several other projects that our organization is implementing, such as Raskrinkavanje- online fact-checking platform; Javna rasprava - a platform that enables and facilitates citizens to directly participate in decision-making processes in BiH, as well as the opportunity to communicate with elected and appointed representatives in the legislature; Glasometar - an application for checking the voting preferences of voters, POINT - a regional conference of civil society organizations from seven countries in Southeast Europe that are intensively involved in the use of new technologies in their work.
More information on the activities carried out by "Why not?" can be found here.

https://zastone.ba/en/projects/

https://zastone.ba/en/category/news/

4. Our plan for next year is to continue to follow the already mentioned pre-election promises for the Council of Ministers of BiH, the Government of the Republika Srpska, the Government of the Sarajevo Canton and 17 local self-government units, in addition to our daily assessments. During the next year, we plan to present the final reports for the Council of Ministers of BiH, the Government of the Republika Srpska, the Government of the Sarajevo Canton, given the fact that during 2022, their four-year term ends. The General Elections in BiH are also planned for 2022, which means that after the elections are held and governments are formed at the state, entity and cantonal levels, Istinomjer will start monitoring the work of the newly formed governments. During the next year, we also plan to present a report on the first year of work of 17 local self-government units.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer is an initiative set up exclusively for the purposes of fact-checking. Currently, there are 10 people involved in the project, most of them are researchers. They are covering current events while preparing to take a significant role in the next general elections scheduled for 2022. For more than a decade now, they have been monitoring politicians' promises and their implementation.

1.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.3
Proof you meet criteria
- The applicant has published an average of at least one fact check a week over the course of the six months prior to the date of application.
- For applicants from countries with at least 5 or more verified signatories need to have at least a fact check a week over the twelve months of publishing track.
- Consult to factchecknet@poynter.org for confirmation.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

In the six months prior to application, Istinomjer published the 143 fact-checks available at this link. The statements of the officials were assessed as true, true to a greater or lesser extent, semi-true, unfounded or, as is most often the case, as untrue.

https://istinomjer.ba/izjave/istinitost-page/

In the same time period in the category of consistency / inconsistency, Istinomjer published 19 articles.

https://istinomjer.ba/izjave/dosljednost-page/

In the category of promises, 130 articles were written in the period from April to September.

https://istinomjer.ba/izjave/obecanja-page/

As for category of Istinomjer analysis, 121 analysis have been published in the past six months.

https://istinomjer.ba/analize/

In the TV Istinomjer category 38 videos were published.

During the period of the past six months, Istinomjer also updated the pre-election promises that we monitor at the state, entity, cantonal levels as well as at the level of LSG.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

On average, Istinomjer has published more than four fact-checks per week, over the course of six months prior to the application. During the same period, they have been following closely politician's consistency and promises. Besides regular forms of fact-checks, they produced other journalistic pieces, such as analysis and videos.

1.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer's fact-checks focus on the topics that have an impact on the everyday life of Bosnia and Herzegovina's citizens. In the last six months, they fact-checked statements in regards to corruption, health, economy, corruption, education etc.

1.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain any commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship your organization has to the state, politicians or political parties in the country or countries you cover. Also explain funding or support received from foreign as well as local state or political actors over the previous financial year.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Our organization has no commercial, financial and/or institutional relationship to the state, politicians or political parties in the country. Our work is funded exclusively by international organizations which share our beliefs of objectivity and impartiality. Donors have no influence on our work. The work we do is performed strictly in line with our methodology and non-partisanship policy, which ensure objectivity and impartial approach to topics, research and ratings, regardless of who the “actors” are.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer is a non-profit organization relying on international donors solely.

1.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

All information about our non-partisanship policy can be found at this link.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness

To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria

2.1 The applicant fact-checks using the same high standards of evidence and judgement for equivalent claims regardless of who made the claim.
2.2 The applicant does not unduly concentrate its fact-checking on any one side, considers the reach and importance of claims it selects to check and publishes a short statement on its website to set out how it selects claims to check.
2.3 The applicant discloses in its fact checks relevant interests of the sources it quotes where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided. It also discloses in its fact checks any commercial or other such relationships it has that a member of the public might reasonably conclude could influence the findings of the fact check.
2.4 The applicant is not as an organization affiliated with nor declares or shows support for any party, any politician or political candidate, nor does it advocate for or against any policy positions on any issues save for transparency and accuracy in public debate.
2.5 The applicant sets out its policy on non-partisanship for staff on its site. Save for the issues of accuracy and transparency, the applicant’s staff do not get involved in advocacy or publicise their views on policy issues the organization might fact check in such a way as might lead a reasonable member of the public to see the organization’s work as biased.

Criteria 2.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please share links to 10 fact checks published over the past year that you believe demonstrate your non-partisanship.
Please briefly explain how the fact checks selected show that (I) you use the same high standards of evidence for equivalent claims, (II) follow the same essential process for every fact check and (III) let the evidence dictate your conclusions.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer treats every political party and political option in BiH alike and applies the same standards and methodology when fact-checking accuracy of claims made by all sides of political spectrum.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has a very complex political system with a number of political parties at all levels of government - state, entity and cantonal levels as well as at the level of local governments. This administrative division, paired with ethnic divide (both inherent to the constitutive system and practiced in everyday politics) produces a divided media sphere, where political actors usually receive different treatment based on their relation to these factors (administrative level and ethnic group).

Istinomjer fact-checks statements from across the political spectrum in BiH, applying the same standards and methodology to claims made by all political actors. We also track campaign promises of all the political parties in ruling coalitions on the two top administrative levels and promises of mayors of several municipalities from both entities and from 4 different cantons. These are all competing (and often belligerent) political actors, coming from different ethnopolitical and ideological backgrounds and all are tracked and rated in the same way.

Considering that we cannot fact-check all of the statements and promises, we choose those that are newsworthy in terms of dealing with current “hot topics” and issues that affect people’s lives, or those that have weight for citizens as voters (particularly when following pre-election campaigns).

We are nonpartisan and strive to be impartial when drawing attention to the inaccurate statements of all political actors. However, as our work is centered around promotion of political accountability, it is inevitably focused more on some political actors than the others. Specifically, we put stronger focus on the parties and political figures who hold executive power, particularly since we also track these parties’ pre-election promises. We also encourage the readers to point us to the possible false statements, unfulfilled promises, or any other relevant “fact- checking material” that we might have missed.

Links to examples of our fact checks, proving the scope and consistency of our work, can be found below:

Examples of statements rated for truthfulness/untruthfulness:

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer fact-checks cover a variety of topics and fulfil all necessary journalistic standards.

2.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.2
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you explain how you select claims to check, explaining how you ensure you do not unduly concentrate your fact-checking on any one side, and how you consider the reach and importance of the claims you select to check.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer treats every political party and political option in BiH equally and applies identical standards and pre-established methodology when checking the accuracy of statements and promises of all parties.

Since we cannot verify all statements and promises, we choose those that are currently of public interest, that are important for the daily life of citizens, or that are important for informing voters during the election campaign.

Istinomjer s non-partisan and seeks to maintain impartiality when drawing attention to the inaccurate statements of all political actors. However, as the work of Istinomjer is primarily focused on the promotion of political responsibility, it is inevitable that more political attention will be paid to some political actors. In particular, our focus is always more on those political parties and politicians who participate in the executive branch, especially since Istinomjer also monitors the fulfillment of pre-election promises of these parties. Therefore, we want to encourage readers to point out potential incorrect statements, unfulfilled promises, but also other relevant and verifiable public appearances of political actors that we may have missed.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer's methodology can be found on their website, and it offers a detailed explanation of how they choose topics and evaluate claims. The methodology, at least in theory, prevents them from being biased and one-sided.

2.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Based on the randomised sample of fact-checks published in the last year, Istinomjer quotes relevant sources and explains their relevance whenever it is needed.

2.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer is an independent media platform and does not show or declare support for any party, politician or political candidate.

2.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

We have a strict employment policy, where we check background of employees during job application, so no one working within our organization, especially Istinomjer cannot engage in partisan political activity or make contributions to candidates or advocacy organizations.

Our previous and current activities, performed both within the Istinomjer and the entire organization, have always been independent from any political influence, as well as from our own personal political and other beliefs. Our work is solely funded by international organizations and embassies, who share our belief in the objectivity, impartiality and influence on public opinion.

As an organization, we engage in promoting government transparency and political accountability, so we always did and will always support policies and legislation that helps Bosnian-Herzegovinian society move towards more transparent and accountable governance, regardless of which political party or person introduces these policies or legislation.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer prohibits its employees from taking an active role within political parties or participating in the election campaigns of political entities.

2.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources

To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria

3.1 The applicant identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links where the source is available online, in such a way that users can replicate their work if they wish. In cases where identifying the source would compromise the source’s personal security, the applicant provides as much detail as compatible with the source’s safety.
3.2 The applicant uses the best available primary, not secondary, sources of evidence wherever suitable primary sources are available. Where suitable primary sources are not available, the applicant explains the use of a secondary source.
3.3 The applicant checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence save where the one source is the only source relevant on the topic.
3.4 The applicant identifies in its fact checks the relevant interests of the sources it uses where the reader might reasonably conclude those interests could influence the accuracy of the evidence provided.

Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer identifies the source of all significant evidence used in their fact checks, providing relevant links so the readers can, in fact, double-check everything on their own.

3.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer uses relevant sources of evidence and provides links when possible.

3.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer checks all key elements of claims against more than one named source of evidence when possible.

3.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Section 4: A commitment to Transparency of Funding & Organization

To be compliant on funding and organization, applicants must meet these five criteria

4.1 Applicants that are independent organizations have a page on their website detailing each source of funding accounting for 5% or more of total revenue for its previous financial year. This page also sets out the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
4.2 Applicants that are the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization make a statement on ownership.
4.3 A statement on the applicant’s website sets out the applicant’s organizational structure and makes clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.
4.4 A page on the applicant’s website details the professional biography of all those who, according to the organizational structure and play a significant part in its editorial output.
4.5 The applicant provides easy means on its website and/or via social media for users to communicate with the editorial team.

Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer is one of two fact-checking platforms, in addition to Raskrinkavanje, of parent organization CA ”Why not?”, as noted in our “About” page. Information about legal status and scope of work of CA “Why not?” as the parent organization can be found here. CA "Why not" is a registered legal entity registered in the register of civil associations with the Ministry of Justice of the FBiH from January 9, 2001, under number 56, book 1 of the register, with registration number 03-054-992 / 97-2.

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeruhttps://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru

https://zastone.ba/organizacija

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer is a fact-checking project of the CA "Why not", founded in 2001.

4.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 4.2
Proof you meet criteria
If your organization is an “independent organization”, please share a link to the page on your website where you detail your funding and indicate the legal form in which the organization is registered (e.g. as a non-profit, as a company etc).
If your organization is “the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization”, please share a link to the statement on your website about your ownership.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer is a project of the CA "Why not?", founded in 2001. It is a non-profit medium whose work from beginning has been financially supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Within the "about" section, readers can find information about the ownership and foundation of Istinomjer. It is a separate project of CA "Zasto ne" set up exclusively for fact-checking purposes.

4.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Information about journalists and researchers, as well as information about editors, project manager and creative manager of Istinomjer team can be found here.

https://istinomjer.ba/istinomjer-tim/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer's employees' names can be found on their website, within a "team" section. Within the same page, readers can learn more about their background and duties.

4.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Information about journalists and researchers, as well as information about editors, project manager and creative manager of Istinomjer team can be found here.

https://istinomjer.ba/istinomjer-tim/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Names of the team members and their short biographies are available within the "team" section.

4.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

On the home page of our official website it is possible to find the "Ask the Istinomjer" section through which interested readers can send us a specific statement or promises from public officials that they would like us to investigate.

https://istinomjer.ba/pitajte-istinomjer

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer has a separate section on their website where readers can submit their proposals. Readers are also encouraged to reach out via email and social media.

4.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Section 5: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Methodology

To be compliant on methodology, applicants must meet these six criteria

5.1 The applicant publishes on its website a statement about the methodology it uses to select, research, write and publish its fact checks.
5.2 The applicant selects claims to check based primarily on the reach and importance of the claims, and where possible explains the reason for choosing the claim to check.
5.3 The applicant sets out in its fact checks relevant evidence that appears to support the claim as well as relevant evidence that appears to undermine it.
5.4 The applicant in its fact checks assesses the merits of the evidence found using the same high standards applied to evidence on equivalent claims, regardless of who made the claim.
5.5 The applicant seeks where possible to contact those who made the claim to seek supporting evidence, noting that (I) this is often not possible with online claims, (II) if the person who makes the claim fails to reply in a timely way this should not impede the fact check, (III) if a speaker adds caveats to the claim, the fact-checker should be free to continue with checking the original claim, (IV) fact-checkers may not wish to contact the person who made the claim for safety or other legitimate reasons.
5.6 The applicant encourages users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable.

Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The link below provides detailed methodology of our fact-checking work. If necessary, methodology can be translated into English and provided to you.

https://istinomjer.ba/metodologija/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer's methodology is presented on a separate page on their website. The readers and other stakeholders can easily learn about the fact-checking process from its beginning until the end, learn more about the journalistic forms they use and how they choose topics.

5.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

After reading several randomly picked Istinomjer's fact-checks, I am under the imperssion that they choose claims concerning relevant topics and people with broader influence. However, there is a place for improvement, especially when it comes to explaining to their readers why a certain claim is relevant, and what was the reason for assessing it in the first place.

5.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer uses relevant evidence, both supporting the claim as well as undermining it.

5.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The same merits seem to apply to all fact-checks. It is important to keep in mind how complex the political ecosystem of Bosnia and Herzegovina is, and how it is reflected in most topics. As a result, in some cases, the need to include all sides in the story simply cannot be met.

5.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Readers can submit requests for fact-checks of claims made by political actors by filling the form that is especially prepared for these purposes, which is easily accessible and visible on the main page of our website. The section is called "Ask the Istinomjer".

Please see link below: http://istinomjer.ba/pitajte-istinomjer/

Readers can also submit requests for fact-checks of claims made by political actors by sending us an email with the claim, which is stated on the main page of our website. Also, our readers can contact us through our Facebook/Twitter/Instagram page and ask for the specific claim to be checked.

Readers can also participate in the monitoring of the pre-election promises, by sending us their inputs on fulfillment of each individual promise. Every promise has a form which can be used to submit additional data about that promise.

Please check the link below for an example:

https://istinomjer.ba/predizborna-obecanja/besplatan-gradski-prevoz-za-penzionere-i-ucenike/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

There is a form within Istinomjer's website where readers can submit their fact-check proposals. Additionally, readers can submit proposals via mail. Istinomjer's staff also uses social media to encourage people to propose fact-check ideas.

5.6 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Section 6: A commitment to an Open & Honest Corrections Policy

To be compliant on corrections policy, applicants must meet these five criteria

6.1 The applicant has a corrections or complaints policy that is easily visible and accessible on the organization’s website or frequently referenced in broadcasts.
6.2 The policy sets out clear definitions of what it does and does not cover, how major mistakes, especially those requiring revised conclusions of a fact check, are handled, and the fact that some complaints may justify no response. This policy is adhered to scrupulously.
6.3 Where credible evidence is provided that the applicant has made a mistake worthy of correction, the applicant makes a correction openly and transparently, seeking as far as possible to ensure that users of the original see the correction and the corrected version.
6.4 The applicant, if an existing signatory, should either on its corrections/complaints page or on the page where it declares itself an IFCN signatory inform users that if they believe the signatory is violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN, with a link to the IFCN site.
6.5 If the applicant is the fact-checking unit of a media company, it is a requirement of signatory status that the parent media company has and adheres to an open and honest corrections policy.

Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Our correction policy can be found here.

http://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Istinomjer had four corrections to published articles in the previous period and which required that, after adding new data to the article, the originally given grade had to be changed. At the end of mentioned texts, a disclaimer was written with a clear explanation of what was corrected in the text.

https://istinomjer.ba/prosjecna-plata-u-rs-u-nije-u-znacajnoj-mjeri-veca-nego-u-fbih/

https://istinomjer.ba/u-vladi-tk-se-obavezali-da-nece-zaposljavati-bliske-srodnike/

https://istinomjer.ba/vijece-ministara-nije-uputilo-samo-jedan-zakon-parlamentarnoj-skupstini/

https://istinomjer.ba/zenicka-obilaznica-zatvorena-sedam-dana-nakon-pustanja-u-promet/

Also, it is necessary to emphasize that in addition to the mentioned articles, several amendments to the texts were edited, but in the mentioned cases it was not a matter of amendments and corrections in order to change the already given assessment. Namely, in cases when we received a response from an institution or public officials after the publication of the article, which contained information relevant to a given topic, we supplemented the text so that the information on a particular topic was complete. Each article to which information is subsequently added contains a note to which part of the text new information has been added.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

The correction policy can be easily found in Istinomjer's "about" section.

6.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 6.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the corrections policy to verify it meets critera. No additional information needed.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer's correction policy complies with IFCN principles. It has been made easily accessible on their website, and the explanation of how the correction requests are being assessed was fairly presented.

6.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 6.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a short statement about how the policy was adhered to over the previous year (or six months if this is the first application) including evidence of two examples of the responses provided by the applicant to a correction request over the previous year. Where no correction request has been made in the previous year, you must state this in your application, which will be publicly available in the assessment if your application is successful.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Our correction policy can be found here.

http://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

https://istinomjer.ba/prosjecna-plata-u-rs-u-nije-u-znacajnoj-mjeri-veca-nego-u-fbih/

https://istinomjer.ba/u-vladi-tk-se-obavezali-da-nece-zaposljavati-bliske-srodnike/

https://istinomjer.ba/vijece-ministara-nije-uputilo-samo-jedan-zakon-parlamentarnoj-skupstini/

https://istinomjer.ba/zenicka-obilaznica-zatvorena-sedam-dana-nakon-pustanja-u-promet/

In "Prosječna plata u RS-u nije “u značajnoj mjeri veća” nego u FBiH", RS Prime Minister Radovan Višković's statement was assessed as untrue. However, after taking into account the different methodologies for calculating salaries in the two entities, which we explained in the amended text, the assessment of Višković's claim was changed to unfounded.

In "U Vladi TK se obavezali da neće zapošljavati bliske srodnike" the assessment of the promise of the Prime Minister of the Tuzla Canton, Kadrija Hodžić, on April 30, 2021, was corrected from fulfilled to partially fulfilled.

In “The Council of Ministers did not send only one law to the Parliamentary Assembly”, we assessed the statement as untrue. However, after supplementing the text, ie adding a complete statement to the article, we corrected the assessment to be semi-true.

In "Zenička obilaznica zatvorena sedam dana nakon puštanja u promet", the promise of PC Motorways of FBiH, that the Zenica bypass project will be completed in November, was assessed on December 2 as fulfilled with a delay. Bearing in mind that the section was closed to traffic on December 8, and that the competent ministry confirmed that the use permits were missing, the assessment was changed to unfulfilled.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Istinomjer had four corrections in the last year. Below the fact-check, readers can find a disclaimer where it is stated when and how the story was corrected.

6.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 6.4
Proof you meet criteria
If you are an existing signatory, please provide a link to show where on your site you inform users that if they believe you are violating the IFCN Code, they may inform the IFCN of this, with a link to the complaints page on the IFCN site.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Information about complaints regarding the IFCN Code can be found in the section "Correction of incorrect statements" on our about page - https://istinomjer.ba/o-istinomjeru/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

In the "about" section, Istinomjer informs readers, and other stakeholders, about the complaints, in case there are any concerns in regards to their work's compliance with the IFCN Code.

6.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 6.5
Proof you meet criteria
If you are the fact-checking unit of a media company, please provide a link to the parent media company’s honest and open corrections policy and provide evidence that it adheres to this.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Not applicable (we are a project of a CSO, not a media company).

Istinomjer

Organization: Istinomjer

Applicant: Amina Izmirlić Ćatović

Assessor: Ivana Jeremic

Background

Assessment Conclusion

Ivana Jeremic assesses application as Compliant

A short summary in native publishing language

Section 1: Eligibility to be a signatory

To be eligible to be a signatory, applicants must meet these six criteria

Criteria 1.1 Proof you meet criteria Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

https://zastone.ba/en/programs/responsible-government/istinomjer/

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago)

done_all 1.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 1.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 1.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.4 Proof you meet criteria The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 1.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 1.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.6 Proof you meet criteria If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Section 2: A commitment to Non-partisanship and Fairness

To be compliant on nonpartisanship and fairness, applicants must meet these five criteria

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 2.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 2.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.3 Proof you meet criteria The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 2.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.4 Proof you meet criteria The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 2.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.5 Proof you meet criteria Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.

Istinomjer

18-Oct-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 2.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Section 3: A commitment to Standards and Transparency of Sources

To be compliant on sources, applicants must meet these four criteria

Criteria 3.1 Proof you meet criteria The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 3.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.2 Proof you meet criteria The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 3.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.3 Proof you meet criteria The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Ivana Jeremic Assessor

01-Nov-2021 (3 years ago) Updated: 3 years ago

done_all 3.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.4 Proof you meet criteria The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Criteria 1.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please explain where on your website you set out information about your organization’s legal status and how this complies with criteria. Attach a link to the relevant page of your website.

1.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

1.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

1.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous three months. No additional information required.

1.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

1.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 1.6
Proof you meet criteria
If you confirmed the organization receives funding from local or foreign state or political sources, provide a link to where on your website you set out how you ensure the editorial independence of your work.

2.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

2.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

2.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will assess compliance through a review of the fact checks published over the previous year. No additional information required.

2.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 2.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to a place on your website where you publish a statement setting out your policy on non-partisanship for staff and how it ensures the organization meets this criteria.

2.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.1
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

3.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

3.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

3.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 3.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the applicant’s use of sources in a randomised sample of its fact checks to assess compliance. No additional evidence is required.

Criteria 4.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please confirm whether you are an ‘independent organization’
or ‘the fact-checking section or unit of a media house or other parent organization’ and share proof of this organizational status.

4.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

4.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 4.3
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out your organizational structure, making clear how and by whom editorial control is exercised.

4.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 4.4
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you set out the professional biographies of those who play a significant part in your organization’s editorial output.

4.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 4.5
Proof you meet criteria
Please share a link to where on your website you encourage users to communicate with your editorial team.

4.5 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to the statement on your website that explains the methodology you use to select, research, write and publish your fact checks.

5.1 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.2
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

5.2 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.3
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

5.3 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.4
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

5.4 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 5.5
Proof you meet criteria
The assessor will review the methodology used in a randomised sample of your fact checks to assess compliance with these criteria. No additional evidence is required.

Criteria 5.6
Proof you meet criteria
Please describe how you encourage users to send in claims to check, while making it clear what readers can legitimately expect will be fact-checked and what isn’t fact-checkable. Include links where appropriate. If you do not allow this, explain why.

5.6 marked as Compliant by Ivana Jeremic.

Criteria 6.1
Proof you meet criteria
Please provide a link to where you publish on your website your corrections or complaints policy. If you are primarily a broadcaster, please provide evidence you frequently reference your corrections policy in broadcasts.