Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defence, Fight Against Crime and Internal Policy and Coordinator of the Security and Intelligence Sector Aleksa Bečić today commemorated journalist Duško Jovanović by laying a wreath at the site of his tragic murder. He was accompanied by Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović and Director of the Police Directorate Lazar Šćepanović. This act was a tribute to Jovanović’s life, valor, and steadfast commitment to a fair Montenegro — a mission to which, Bečić remarked, “he was deeply dedicated, ultimately giving his life.”

Bečić conveyed a resolute message that Montenegro and its institutions will tirelessly pursue justice, affirming the strong political commitment at the highest levels and the conclusion of an era of impunity in the nation. There are no longer any untouchables or those above the law. Anyone who has broken the law, participated in murders, or engaged in criminal acts can no longer rest easy, he proclaimed.

While commending the professionalism and dedication of the Police Directorate in addressing organized crime and clarifying this case, Bečić acknowledged the efforts of Director Šćepanović and the proactive role of the current state prosecutor overseeing the investigation. He expressed confidence that the truth will prevail and justice will be served.

In this context, I wish to share exclusive news today. After final legal arrangements and receiving a positive review from the Ministry of Finance, as per the recommendations of the Commission for the Investigation of Murders and Attacks on Journalists, in line with Article 92 of the Law on Internal Affairs, and upon the formal proposal from the Director of the Police Directorate — the Minister of the Interior has just authorized a decision, on behalf of the Ministry and the Government of Montenegro, to offer a financial reward of one million euros for any individual or individuals who provide credible information relevant to solving Duško Jovanović’s murder, Bečić added.

According to the decision, three cumulative conditions must be met for the information to qualify: it must be accurate and lead to the identification or arrest of the direct perpetrators, accomplices, organizers, and those who ordered the murder; it must directly aid in the initiation and conduct of criminal proceedings; and it must play a decisive role in obtaining a conviction.

Individuals wishing to provide such information can reach out to the Director of the Police Directorate or the Assistant Director responsible for the Criminal Police Sector. Those who come forward will be entitled to protection under laws governing the security of individuals and witness protection.

This illustrates our unyielding commitment and notably shows the public — through daily results and operations — that we are dedicated to ridding our security sector of illicit influences and dismantling organized crime and corruption. This is the cornerstone of our system’s liberation, Bečić stated, voicing confidence that this liberation will bring true freedom for Montenegro and its institutions.

You are aware that the critical hours and days following crimes like this are often pivotal for solving the case. Yet, even after 21 years, this government and the heads of key institutions have not wavered in their pursuit of justice. We must pursue justice — collectively. Justice is our duty. The truth for which Duško Jovanović stood is eternal, Bečić concluded.

Minister of the Interior Danilo Šaranović affirmed that complete justice will only be achieved when all those involved in the crime — perpetrators, co-perpetrators, organizers, and those who ordered the murder — are held accountable.

At a time when the state was anything but stable, he was among the few heroes of limitless courage, who turned words into bullets — not for himself, but for all of us and for future generations, remarked Šaranović, paying tribute to Jovanović’s personal and professional sacrifices.

He emphasized the duty of institutions and society as a whole to uphold accountability toward his memory and his family.

His sacrifice stands as our enduring responsibility. We must never accept partial justice. There is no rule of law, no true democracy, and no complete justice until the murder of Duško Jovanović — and others like it — is fully addressed. We must create a state of absolute justice to replace the darkness that plagued Montenegro two decades ago, asserted Šaranović.

Acting Director of the Police Directorate Lazar Šćepanović stressed that Jovanović’s murder cannot be considered in isolation from the wider context of organized crime.

Just before midnight, at this very location, Duško Jovanović — editor-in-chief of the daily Dan — was brutally and brazenly murdered. This crime, as I have previously mentioned, exhibits all the characteristics of organized crime. He unveiled society’s most profound flaws and reported on criminal activities — and these truths ultimately led to his assassination, he added.

Šćepanović underlined the sensitivity and complexity of the ongoing criminal investigation, which is conducted in collaboration with the High State Prosecutor’s Office and the acting prosecutor, noting that police have been actively pursuing the case for over a year.

I will not be one to seek political leverage. I will be one of those who, alongside my team, will dedicate everything to resolving this atrocious murder. I hope that today signifies a step towards justice for Montenegro. We will prevail, and we will identify those responsible for this crime, he concluded.