A physician at the Clinical Center of Montenegro, Vladimir Peruničić, has been taken into custody following allegations of sending sexist and inappropriate messages to City Television host Magdalena Čelanović, as reported by “Vijesti.”

Peruničić was interrogated by the Podgorica police after Čelanović filed a harassment complaint against him.

The prosecutor will determine the possible nature of the offense after interviewing Čelanović.

Last night, she lodged a complaint with the Tivat police, claiming he had sent her abusive and sexist messages through email and text.

“Officers of the Podgorica Security Department acted upon a report filed today by journalist M.Č., employed at City Television, that the individual, VP, had been sending her offensive and threatening comments through email and social media for several days. After gathering information from both parties, they took VP, an employee of the Clinical Center of Montenegro, into custody. Previously, M.Č. had filed a criminal report against VP with the Tivat Security Department due to harassment involving offensive and sexist remarks and direct messages via the Instagram application, which caused her to feel unsafe,” announced the Police Directorate.

“Given that VP was in Podgorica, Tivat police alerted the Podgorica Security Department without delay, and today, M.Č. also filed an additional report with the Podgorica police, considering that VP continued his inappropriate comments until late last night. Taking swift action, the police brought VP to the Podgorica Security Department to gather information. Following the criminal investigation, he was detained, and the police initiated misdemeanor proceedings against him on suspicion of violating Article 7 of the Law on Public Order and Peace – insult and insolent behavior. After collecting all relevant information, the state prosecutor at the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica was informed and will assess the offense after hearing from the aggrieved party, M.Č.,” the police stated.

They assured the public that they would provide timely updates about further actions regarding this case.

“The Police Directorate strongly denounces all forms of offensive, threatening, and inappropriate behavior toward media professionals, particularly actions that undermine the dignity of women in journalism. The police prioritize taking decisive actions against anyone whose conduct jeopardizes security, integrity, or the right to free and unbiased expression and reporting, with the goal of fostering a safe environment for media professionals,” the statement read.

“Vijesti” reported earlier that Čelanović gave a statement to the police, indicating that the harassment began after a photo of her was posted on the official Instagram account of City RTV, alongside Deputy Mayor of Podgorica, Nađa Ljiljanić.

In the comments below the photo, the doctor left a vulgar remark which Čelanović subsequently deleted before reaching out to the Ministry of Health.

The Minister of Health’s office responded that they, along with Minister Vojislav Šimun, condemned the behavior and would direct the email to the director of the KCCG.

After a lack of response from the health institution for several days, Čelanović sent a letter on April 23, 2025, and the following day, Dr. Vladimir Peruničić began to send her alarming emails followed by messages on Instagram.

Čelanović conveyed to the police that the doctor warned her not to be afraid and threatened to find and assault her, sending numerous offensive and sexist messages.

She expressed to law enforcement her fear for her safety due to these threats. Additionally, she noted that the doctor shared a photo taken inside the Clinical Center, making derogatory remarks about City RTV, calling it a “septic tank of allergens.”

Despite receiving the initial complaint on April 8, the KCCG only responded to Čelanović yesterday. They indicated that they believed the doctor’s actions occurred outside of working hours and environment, and deemed the offensive comments in private communication as not constituting a breach of professional obligations.

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