Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Defense, Fight against Crime and Internal Policy, Aleksa Bečić, announced that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has promised a reward of one million euros for information regarding the murder of “Dan” editor Duško Jovanović.

This statement was made during a ceremony commemorating the 21st anniversary of Jovanović’s assassination.

The public announcement of this reward appeared in the “Official Gazette of Montenegro” and on the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ website.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs publicly offers a cash reward of 1.000.000,00 euros (in words: one million euros) for information that credibly and significantly aids in identifying the perpetrator(s), co-perpetrator(s), organizer(s), and/or orderer(s) of the murder of the editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper ‘Dan’, Duško Jovanović, committed on May 27, 2004 in Podgorica,” states a document on the Government’s website, signed by the appropriate Minister, Danilo Šaranović.

Lazar Šćepanović, the Acting Director of the Police Administration, recommended that the Ministry of Internal Affairs publicly declare this reward, prompted by the Commission for Monitoring the Actions of Competent Authorities concerning Threats and Violence Against Journalists, Journalist Murders, and Attacks on Media Property.

“A notification is deemed credible if it meets several cumulative conditions: it must contain accurate information leading to the identification and/or arrest of those directly involved in the commission, organization, or ordering of the criminal act; it should directly facilitate the initiation and execution of criminal proceedings; and it should be crucial for securing a conviction,” it emphasizes.

To ensure direct, confidential communication protected by institutional measures, it is specified that notifications should be sent personally to the Director of the Police Directorate or the Assistant Director responsible for tackling crime.

“This procedure aims to maintain the integrity and safety of the notification submission process, as well as to ensure effective identification and documentation of significant information. Anyone wishing to submit a notification must first contact the designated individual to arrange a direct interview, using one of the following phone numbers: 020 241-964 – Director of the Police Directorate; 020 245-020 – Assistant Director in charge of combating crime.”

The individual who submits the first notification that meets the specified criteria will be eligible for the reward. “If multiple individuals submit notifications simultaneously, the reward will be distributed among them based on the contribution of each, as assessed by the relevant authority, abiding by the principle of fairness.”

The decision regarding the reward payment will be made by the Government, following a guilty verdict, based on a substantiated opinion from the competent state prosecutor’s office that confirms the information was crucial for elucidating the crime.

Furthermore, it is highlighted that a person submitting a notification has the right to protection in accordance with laws regarding personal security and witness protection.

“The right to a reward does not apply to: the individual who provided the information for which the reward was offered if the Police Directorate already possesses that information; police employees and their immediate family members; or accomplices in the commission of a crime. Immediate family is defined as a parent, adoptive parent, guardian, spouse, children (biological, adopted, and stepchildren), brothers, and sisters,” the document indicates.

Funds for this reward will be sourced from the state budget.

The public announcement of the reward will also be disseminated through media and other public information channels.

The document further outlines the timeline and significance of this case.

“Duško Jovanović, founder, owner, and editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper Dan, was murdered on the night of May 27, 2004, in Podgorica, outside the newspaper’s office. This murder stands as the gravest crime against journalists in Montenegro’s recent history. Throughout the years, state authorities have undertaken numerous procedural measures, yet only Damir Mandić has been definitively convicted of complicity. However, essential questions—who orchestrated, ordered, and carried out this heinous act—remain unanswered. After two decades, Montenegro owes it to Duško Jovanović, his family, the editorial staff of Dan, the journalistic community, and all citizens to uncover the truth. Addressing this case is not merely a duty to the victim and the journalism profession, but also a measure of institutional maturity, readiness to confront the legacy of impunity, and proof that justice can be realized, regardless of the elapsed time,” writes Šaranović.

Additionally, as part of efforts to illuminate all assaults on journalists in Montenegro, the Commission for Monitoring Competent Authorities’ Investigations into Threats and Violence Against Journalists, Journalistic Homicides, and Attacks on Media Property, has recommended that the Government announce a cash reward of at least one million euros for credible information that could lead to uncovering the perpetrators and those who ordered this murder.

Acting upon that recommendation, the acting director of the Police Directorate has sent the Ministry of Internal Affairs a proposal to publicize the reward.

“The Ministry, guided by this proposal and considering legal frameworks and public interest, along with the Ministry of Finance’s directive on allocating financial resources number: 01-02-430-25-16447/1 dated 27.05.2025, has resolved to publicly announce this reward.”

Šaranović further notes that the public commitment to offer a reward is rooted in Article 92 of the Law on Internal Affairs, which allows the Ministry of Interior to publicly promise a reward for such information when public awareness is crucial in fulfilling police duties.

Moreover, in accordance with Article 236 of the Law on Obligations, a public promise of a reward legally obligates the promisor to pay the specified amount to the individual who provides the required information under the stated conditions.

“This public promise of a reward clearly defines the criteria that must be cumulatively satisfied for information to be deemed credible, along with the process for deciding on the reward payment, which necessitates a substantiated opinion from the competent state prosecutor’s office and a decision from the Government of Montenegro. It also outlines limitations on the right to a reward per legal guidelines, such as when the Police Directorate already possesses the data, if supplied by accomplices, or by police officers and their immediate family members, in addition to the possibility of protecting the individual who provides the information in accordance with regulations on personal security and witness protection,” the document states.

Šaranović emphasized that Montenegro, by officially offering a reward, is demonstrating a firm and clear commitment to finally illuminating the murder of Duško Jovanović, after twenty years.

“This public promise of a reward is more than just a police operational measure – it serves as a message and a sign of institutional resolve that no crime, particularly those against media freedom, can and must not be forgotten. Resolving this homicide is a reflection of the maturity of institutions, the integrity of the legal framework, and the desire to break the cycle of impunity. In pursuit of justice, truth, and accountability – the public promise of a reward represents a step in this direction,” stated the minister.

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