The Civic Alliance (GA) has vehemently denounced the assault on journalists and photojournalists in Gornji Zaostar, which occurred while they were covering the attempted removal of an illegally erected memorial to war criminal Pavle Đurišić in the interest of the public.

According to the organization’s statement, such actions not only represent a blatant violation of legal norms but also undermine fundamental civilized tenets like freedom of expression, the right to work, freedom of movement, and the sanctity of physical integrity.

“Journalists, engaged in a task of undeniable public significance, were obstructed from working freely, faced threats and insults, were physically obstructed and humiliated, and their equipment was damaged. This constitutes a direct assault on the very foundations of a democratic system and a society grounded in the rule of law,” the statement expressed.

The GA also highlighted that top state officials, from the President and the Prime Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, various ministers, and the Mayor of Berane, condemned the erection of the disputed monument just a day earlier and called for its removal.

“In spite of this stance from state leadership, it appears that certain individuals feel entitled to operate above the law, imposing their will and undermining institutional authority. In this regard, we urge the Police Directorate to promptly, impartially, and transparently investigate whether police officers were present during the incident and failed to implement the necessary legal measures to protect the attacked journalists and maintain public order. Should such inaction be confirmed, we expect appropriate disciplinary and criminal proceedings against the accountable officers,” it was announced.

Of significant concern is the involvement of church leaders who, instead of aiding in de-escalating tensions through their influence, have exacerbated intolerance with recent statements and actions.

“Religious leaders are expected to foster peace, dialogue, and respect for the law, rather than become vehicles for destabilization. An attack on journalists is not just an assault on the public’s right to know, but also on the freedom of expression and media independence enshrined in the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. Any attempts to forcibly obstruct public information through violence, intimidation, or humiliation must be promptly and adequately penalized,” the statement asserted.

They further noted that confining individuals in makeshift facilities and physically hindering them from performing their duties in the 21st century, on European soil, represents a backward step for civilization.

“Thus, Montenegro once again faces the crucial choice of whether to be a state governed by law, where rights and freedoms are protected for everyone, or a realm where violence, political pressure, and historical distortion dictate social reality,” the GA statement concluded.

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