Various parties have denounced the assault on the executive director of the Network for the Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS), Vanja Ćalović Marković, via the Facebook page “Narodna Sloga”.

An image was shared on this page that references a smear campaign against Vanja Ćalović Marković published in “Informer” back in 2014. The Montenegrin edition of that tabloid, which was known for its malicious attacks on critics of the DPS, ceased operations at the end of 2016.

The Narodna Sloga profile promoted Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and the Europe Now Movement while disparaging their critics, particularly in the context of the agreement with the United Arab Emirates and the alleged development on Velika Plaza in Ulcinj.

Following a wave of backlash, the post was promptly deleted from the Narodna Sloga page, and the entire account was subsequently removed from Facebook.

Meanwhile, PES has distanced itself from the content shared on the “Narodna Sloga” page.

In their reply to “Vijesti”, they condemned what they termed an unacceptable attack on Vanja Ćalović Marković via the aforementioned site.

They clarified that they do not manage that page, suggesting it is likely operated by PES supporters, and asserted that such content could not have originated from any official party directives.

An official statement from the PES Presidency reflecting this stance was then issued.

Božović: A disgraceful assault on a person dedicated to the pursuit of truth, justice, and transparency

Socialist People’s Party (SNP) MP Bogdan Božović condemned the unseemly and disgraceful campaign against Ćalović Marković.

Božović highlighted that Ćalović Marković has devoted decades of work to advocating for truth, justice, and transparency in society.

“Such assaults, reminiscent of darker times, have no place in a progressive and democratic society. We must move beyond the era where individuals faced public condemnation for critical thought and active engagement. As a society, we must evolve and acknowledge that a diversity of opinions and the right to speak out are the bedrock of democracy. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right for every citizen. Vanja Ćalović Marković, a steadfast activist championing public interest for many years, should not be subject to discredit, stigmatization, or hate speech. We urge all public figures to avoid divisive rhetoric and attacks. It’s time to abandon outdated practices and cultivate a society founded on dialogue, mutual respect, and genuine democracy,” stated Božović.

Todorović: We must recognize that freedom of expression is a guaranteed right for all citizens

The Democratic People’s Party denounced the attacks on Ćalović Marković occurring through social media.

“Such incidents, reminiscent of DPS’s nefarious tactics, have no space in the democratic society we aspire to. The time for targeting dissenters for their public actions must be behind us. Attacking a woman for her differing viewpoint, in 2025, is not just uncivilized; it is a direct affront to the core values of freedom of expression, dignity, and pluralism,” remarked Democratic People’s Party spokesperson Jovana Todorović.

She emphasized the need for societal maturity.

“We must grasp that freedom of expression is an undeniable right belonging to every citizen, and that no one should face hostility for their differing opinions or for posing uncomfortable questions. We call upon all public figures to avoid incitement, labeling, and verbal aggression, particularly against women who have long bravely contributed to the public good. It is essential to break away from past patterns and embrace true dialogue, mutual respect, and democracy,” stated Todorović.

Vujović: It’s unfortunate that Spajić and his team act recklessly and believe they can overpower everything

The government bears responsibility for fostering an environment that allows such vitriolic attacks on its critics, expressed Ivan Vujović, the president of the SDP and a leader of the European Alliance, on social media.

“The government’s expressions of condemnation regarding the attacks on Vanja Ćalović ring hollow, as one cannot act wrongfully and then feign surprise at such filth,” said Vujović.

He noted that while there have been many past injustices, some democratic standards had still been achieved.

“It’s disheartening that Spajić and his associates remain oblivious to this, behaving like bulls in a china shop, thinking they can impose their will unchallenged. They cannot and will not prevail,” emphasized Vujović.

Movement for Podgorica: Freedom of speech and personal integrity should not depend on political affiliation

The Movement for Podgorica condemned the assault on Ćalović Marković.

“Such organized personal attacks on government critics, especially when coming from anonymous, so-called ‘bot’ channels, epitomize the most basic form of political confrontation and pose a serious threat to freedom of expression, individual integrity, and the foundations of a democratic society. Rather than engaging in transparent dialogue and addressing valid inquiries from the civil sector and public, we witness efforts to belittle through humiliating campaigns aimed solely at intimidating, discouraging, and silencing opposition. Our women in the Movement for Podgorica have also fallen victim to similar attacks, facing especially derogatory and misogynistic remarks, further underscoring the pervasive issue and the lynch-like atmosphere that is intentionally fostered,” the Movement for Podgorica stated.

They implored all participants in political and social spheres to clearly and unequivocally renounce such attacks.

“The Movement for Podgorica stands resolutely for free expression, the dignity of each individual, and the citizens’ right to voice their opinions fearlessly – regardless of political loyalties in prior campaigns. Freedom of speech and personal integrity must remain uninhibited by political ties,” the announcement concluded.

BS: Sanction all who publicly insult individual integrity

The Bosniak party condemned what they termed an attempt to tarnish the reputation of MANS’s executive director.

“In a society that professes to uphold values of morality, ethics, and human virtues, it is wholly unacceptable to demean the integrity and character of anyone in Montenegro through various illustrations and montages. Thus, we strongly denounce media content that maligns Ms. Ćalović-Marković, who addresses significant social issues. In our journey toward the EU, our institutions must show a renewed commitment to penalize anyone who publicly insults the integrity of individuals in the public sphere,” the statement asserted.

Democrats: Everyone deserves to speak freely, without fear of bot-driven attacks

Democratic Montenegro condemned the “dirty campaign being waged on social media” against Vanja Ćalović Marković.

“Our role, especially if we are in a position of power or proximity, is to defend the right of every citizen, every organization, and every critic to articulate their views freely, without dread of attacks, defamation, or dehumanization by bots. Today, Vanja Ćalović Marković is the target, but tomorrow it could be someone else, akin to what we endured during the darkest times in modern Montenegro,” stated the party.

URA: PES has adopted the worst methods of DPS

The civic movement URA condemned the “disgusting attacks” on the MANS director, which they allege are being orchestrated by the most recognizable bot accounts linked to Milojko Spajić and the Europe Now Movement.

“Cowardly, inappropriate, and street-level assaults on civic activists and anyone who opposes the privatization of the country’s most valuable assets have unveiled the true identity of this party, which is gradually morphing into a repugnant chapter of Montenegro’s political history. They have manifested once again that they serve as an extension of the UDBA-mafia faction that has manipulated and “cleaned up” our state for the last three decades,” URA proclaimed.

They extended “full support to all those working to protect Montenegro during these turbulent times.”

They added that it would have been preferable for Spajić to remain silent than to insult the public’s intelligence once more, “in his usual fashion.”

“PES’s embracing of DPS’s worst practices has been apparent numerous times. However, reducing its marketing tactics to the level of the most disgraceful days of Informer and Pink exceeds even their limits,” URA concluded.

Dajković: She has clearly disturbed a hornet’s nest

The President of Free Montenegro, Vladislav Dajković, condemned the “filthy and anonymous attacks” against Vanja Ćalović Marković, which have been “orchestrated through social networks in recent days.”

“Utilizing bot accounts, deceit, and slander represents a regression to the shadowy operational methods of political vendetta from previous regimes. It is evident that Ćalović Marković has disturbed a hornet’s nest — the moment she posed challenging questions regarding the controversial project on Velika Plaza, the interests behind it, and the opacity surrounding the agreement with investors from the UAE. This has unsettled those accustomed to proceeding without interrogation, accountability, or transparency. Her bravery and consistent fight against corruption, regardless of those in power, clearly unsettles any entity seeking to maintain public silence,” Dajković expressed.

He emphasized that no government that professes to be superior and different has the right to remain silent in the face of such occurrences.

“Silence in this case translates to complicity, not impartiality. Vanja Ćalović Marković and her colleagues from MANS have dedicated their careers to exposing corruption, abuses, and lawlessness. Anyone attempting to silence them now is merely perpetuating the actions of DPS for years while claiming it would be otherwise. I urge all relevant institutions, political figures, and the media to unequivocally dissociate from such attacks and advocate for civil, reasoned dialogue. Democracy thrives on truth, responsibility, and respect for every citizen brave enough to speak publicly,” Dajković stated.

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