Cardiologist Vladimir Peruničić from the Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG) has been fined 1,000 euros, in addition to being mandated to undergo treatment for alcoholism while remaining free in outpatient care.

According to the Gradska TV portal, this ruling comes from the Minor Offences Court in Podgorica, stemming from a complaint lodged by journalist Magdalena Čelanović regarding insults, threats, and harassment.

In court, Peruničić admitted to the charges, attributing his behavior to intoxication and claiming he loses control of his actions when drinking.

Previously, in 2023, he received a fine of 300 euros for similar offenses, as reported by the portal.

The verdict was delivered by Judge Nedo Jovanović. During the closing arguments, the prosecutor from the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica, Romina Vlahović, recommended that Peruničić receive the maximum prison sentence for his actions, but this was not accepted by the court.

Peruničić was taken into custody after journalist Čelanović reported his behavior, which included sending her offensive and sexist messages via email and text.

“Vijesti” reported that the situation escalated following the publication of a photo of Čelanović on the official Instagram account of the City RTV, alongside the Deputy Mayor of Podgorica, Nađa Ljiljanić.

Below the photo, Peruničić posted a vulgar comment which Čelanović later removed, prompting her to reach out to the Ministry of Health.

The Health Minister’s office expressed their condemnation of his behavior and indicated that they would report the incident to the KCCG director.

After several days without a response from the health institution, Peruničić began sending disturbing emails and Instagram messages to Čelanović around 11 PM on April 24, the day after she sent a letter to them.

According to her police statement, the doctor warned her not to be afraid, stating that he would find her and assault her, while also sending a series of hostile and inappropriate messages.

Čelanović expressed to the police that she fears for her safety due to these threats. She noted that Peruničić had taken a photo inside the Clinical Center and accompanied it with derogatory comments about the City RTV, labeling it a “septic tank of allergens.”

Despite receiving the initial complaint on April 8, KCCG only issued a response two days ago, claiming that Peruničić’s actions occurred outside of working hours and did not breach work obligations since they were sent in a personal context.

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