The recent attack on Dušanka Pejović, a journalist from Radio Television of Montenegro, signifies a serious setback for media freedom and journalist safety in Montenegro, according to the non-governmental organization (NGO) Juventas.

Juventas expressed its anticipation for a prompt and stringent judicial response to the assault on Pejović, aiming to convey a clear message that violence and intimidation against media professionals are entirely unacceptable, and that all journalists should receive equal protection under the law.

Juventas vehemently condemned the incident involving Pejović, noting that it constitutes a grave violation of media freedom and the safety of journalists in the country.

They further highlighted that any form of aggression against media personnel not only jeopardizes the public’s right to accurate and impartial information, but also exacerbates the atmosphere of fear and insecurity within society.

“Regrettably, this is not an isolated occurrence, but part of a larger issue that journalists in Montenegro have been grappling with for years,” the organization stated.

Juventas emphasized the concerning trend that these types of attacks frequently target female journalists, which signals entrenched misogyny and the unequal status of women both in the media and society at large.

“The incident involving Pejović, which transpired in front of her residence, illustrates the escalating pressure and insecurity that journalists in Montenegro endure,” Juventas remarked.

While the NGO applauded the swift police action and the arrest of a suspect, they also noted the troubling context of this incident occurring while the Police Directorate is prosecuting well-known journalist Brano Mandić.

“Such occurrences raise critical concerns regarding the selective approach of institutions in protecting journalists. We reiterate that institutions within a democratic state have a duty to ensure equal treatment and protection for all journalists, irrespective of their opinions, media affiliations, or the subjects they cover,” stated Juventas.

They also reminded that institutions bear a special responsibility to safeguard those who report on social issues, advocate for social change, and whose work challenges systemic irregularities.

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