According to Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović, protecting media freedom does not grant anyone immunity from public and political scrutiny, particularly regarding issues that could potentially harm society. She noted that she reviewed the transcript of Boris Bogdanović’s speech and confirmed that the Democratic MP did not label Television E, M Portal, or Portal Analitika as media on the payroll of criminal organizations.

“During his presentation, he referred to particular individuals connected to criminal groups who exert inappropriate influence over the media and who defend corrupt police officers; he made it clear that these individuals are neither journalists nor editors,” she explained.

Vujović elaborated, “Such remarks, whether one agrees with them or not, are part of political discourse, made in the context of free speech without naming individuals, and should be viewed as part of parliamentary debate and political action rather than as a threat to media freedom or an attack on journalists.”

She assessed that Bogdanović did not target independent media or journalists as a whole, but rather voiced a political opinion and concerns about potential connections between certain influential media entities and organized crime.

The Minister emphasized that media freedom is fundamental to democracy and a core principle upheld by the Government of Montenegro, a stance recognized by international organizations in their assessments.

“I urge media outlets to adhere to the guidelines set out by the Constitution, the law, and the Journalists’ Code, which mandate accurate, verified, and timely reporting. I also encourage public officials to communicate as clearly and precisely as possible. Together, we can protect and promote free and independent journalism,” she concluded.

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