Today marks the 21st anniversary of the murder of Duško Jovanović, the owner and editor-in-chief of the newspaper Dan, who was assassinated outside the media outlet’s headquarters.

Jovanović’s life was taken around midnight on May 27, 2004, when a barrage from an automatic weapon shot at him from a Golf 3.

In honor of the 21st anniversary of his murder, various journalist associations, officials, and NGOs have voiced their reflections…

Krapović: Jovanović’s murder remains a painful mark on our collective conscience

According to Minister of Defense Dragan Krapović, the murder of Jovanović is a persistent wound in our society, reminding us that the quest for justice and media freedom must continue unabated.

Krapović commemorated Jovanović by laying a wreath in Podgorica at the site of his assassination 21 years prior.

“On this day, 21 years ago, a vile act extinguished the life of Duško Jovanović, editor-in-chief of the newspaper Dan. That shot was not merely an assault on an individual—it was an attack on freedom of expression, independent journalism, and the fundamental values upon which every progressive society stands. As the Minister of Defense, and more importantly, as a citizen of Montenegro, I express my unwavering respect for Jovanović’s bravery and commitment to the truth,” affirmed Krapović.

“The sacrifice of Duško Jovanović, along with the grief experienced by his loved ones, compels our society to remember, seek truth, and construct a state where no one fears doing their job for justice,” he added.

Abazović: This murder bears the marks of state involvement

Leader of the Civic Movement URA, Dritan Abazović, stated that all those involved in the murder of Duško Jovanović must face justice, declaring it a crime that appears state-sanctioned.

After paying respects at the scene of the murder, Abazović expressed his disappointment over the lack of answers that have been anticipated.

“I maintain that this murder has the fingerprints of the state on it. I urge the authorities to utilize existing information within the prosecution, leverage statements from individuals who have previously spoken out, and piece together the elements necessary for Montenegro to achieve true justice,” Abazović stated.

He emphasized that without resolving the murder of Jovanović, meaningful progress in justice remains elusive.

“Efforts to join the larger European community will be in vain if we carry this burden. I understand that addressing it may lead to significant political upheaval, but it is a debt we owe to him, his family, and the pursuit of truth,” he concluded.

The Mayor of Podgorica, Saša Mujović, along with his deputies, Nađa Ljiljanić and Boris Spalević, also honored Jovanović’s memory.

Mujović remarked that today’s tribute is to “a remarkable individual who lived during a time unsympathetic to freedom and independent thought.”

He expressed sorrow that Jovanović did not live to witness a more liberated era.

“The most valuable inheritance a person can possess is truth, yet this truth can also become a weapon. Duško suffered precisely because of that weapon. May his deeds, unwavering spirit, and courage to confront adversity illuminate future generations,” Mujović stated.

Ljiljanić mentioned that they laid a wreath on behalf of the Capital City for a brave individual who spoke the truth when others remained silent.

“We aspire for Montenegro to be a nation of justice, where justice will ultimately be achieved,” said Ljiljanić.

She noted that by the year’s end, a monument or bust, depending on the family’s wishes, would be established at the site of Jovanović’s murder.

(MINE)

Mujović: Tragically, Jovanović did not live to witness a freer future

According to Podgorica Mayor Saša Mujović, Duško Jovanović did not survive to experience a society that embraced freedom.

The municipality of Podgorica reported that Mujović, alongside his deputies Nađa Ljiljanić and Boris Spalević, laid a wreath at the site of Jovanović’s murder 21 years ago.

Mujović reflected, “Today, we honor a significant figure who faced a challenging era for freedom and expression, and it is unfortunate that Duško Jovanović did not survive to see a more liberated society.”

“The greatest treasure a person can inherit is truth; however, this truth also serves as the mightiest weapon, and Duško suffered because of it. May his legacy, uncompromising spirit, and commitment to confront societal darkness shine brightly for future generations,” Mujović said.

The municipality emphasized that Jovanović, who was murdered on May 27, 2004, continues to symbolize the ongoing struggle for truth.

“Regrettably, Jovanović did not get to witness the reality he fought for, but his impact will not be erased by time or forgetfulness,” the municipality declared.

Šćekić: A society that forgets such atrocities risks losing its core values – freedom of speech, institutional accountability, and the rule of law

On the 21st anniversary of Duško Jovanović’s brutal murder, Dragoslav Šćekić, Minister of Sports and Youth and Vice President of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP), stated that we still seek answers—who orchestrated the murder and why?

“His death struck a severe blow against media freedom and the citizens’ right to the truth, as well as everything we collectively fought for—a just, crime-free society. A society that forgets such crimes jeopardizes its fundamental values—freedom of speech, accountability, and rule of law. Therefore, it is crucial to persist in our inquiries, seek the truth, and demand justice. Forgetting cannot be an option,” emphasized Šćekić in a statement released by the SNP.

Joković: Jovanović embodied the fight for freedom of speech, truth, and a different Montenegro

Duško Jovanović was more than just a journalist; he was a symbol of the struggle for freedom of expression, truth, and a transformed Montenegro, according to Vladimir Joković, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and President of the Socialist People’s Party (SNP).

“Today marks twenty-one years since the horrific murder of Duško Jovanović, editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper ‘Dan’. After more than two decades since that tragic event, Montenegro is still waiting for truth and justice,” Joković stated.

He noted that Jovanović’s writing was both incisive and fair.

“In an age when many opted for silence, he spoke up. He paid the ultimate price to reveal the truth. Two decades of institutional silence and unresolved details cannot erase his memory or absolve us from the obligation to pursue justice,” Joković remarked.

He affirmed that Duško has not been forgotten; he lives on through every advocacy for free journalism, through every query he bravely raised.

“On behalf of everyone who believes in truth and justice, I assert that we will not cease until all those responsible for this crime are identified by name. Montenegro owes this to Duško Jovanović, his family, and all who envision a society where free expression is protected,” Joković underscored.

IMCG: A full investigation into this crime is essential to achieve genuine media freedom and uphold the rule of law

On the 21st anniversary of Duško Jovanović’s murder, the Media Institute of Montenegro (IMCG) stated that without a complete investigation into this crime, true media freedom and adherence to the rule of law in Montenegro cannot be realized.

“Only Damir Mandić has been convicted as an accomplice in Jovanović’s murder, receiving a 19-year prison term. In the years following Jovanović’s murder, multiple governments, chief state prosecutors, and interior ministers have passed through, yet this crime lacks a judicial conclusion,” the IMCG statement highlighted.

The Institute expressed concern over the lengthy investigation marked by significant oversights and inefficiency, with no accountability for those who mishandled the case.

“Over two decades post-murder, the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica has opened at least ten special cases, interrogated numerous witnesses, and pursued various leads—with no concrete outcomes. Repeated statements by top state officials about the prioritization of this case seem more for political advantage than a genuine desire for justice. The inefficacies of the past, coupled with current sluggishness in institutions and inadequate communication on this matter, have pushed the media to assume investigation roles, culminating in various disclosures regarding the suspected criminals and their motivations which officials have not refuted. Does this indicate that the media has illuminated aspects of the case while the authorities remain silent?” the IMCG questioned.

DPNCG: Marković must disclose if organized crime is suspected in Jovanović’s murder

The Association of Professional Journalists of Montenegro (DPNCG) has urged Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković to publicly confirm whether investigative efforts into Duško Jovanović’s murder suggest organized crime involvement and why the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) is not handling the case.

“Acting Police Administration Director Lazar Šćepanović indicated that the investigation is moving in a seemingly conspiratorial direction, supported by insights from various sources, including former Prime Minister Dritan Abazović. This suggests that a collaboration among parts of the previous government, security sector, and organized crime factions may have been behind the crime, concealed for twenty years. Without politicizing this matter, we expect thorough accountability from the judicial authorities, as it has been nearly three decades without justice for Jovanović’s family or the Montenegrin public, leaving a blemish on our national integrity,” the DPNCG statement signed by President Mila Radulović stated.

The DPNCG questioned why the case has not been handed over to the SDT all these years if there are indications of organized crime involvement.

“Supreme Prosecutor, could a public promise of a million-dollar reward aid in this case? Will the State Prosecutor’s Office propose this initiative to the Government, as the Commission for the Investigation of Attacks on Journalists suggested? Since Jovanović’s murder, a surge of attacks on journalists has ensued, leading many to require police protection, while others live with trauma potentially lasting a lifetime. The state must break this cycle by sending a clear message that it no longer fosters an environment where journalists and critical media founders face violence or assassination for performing their duties,” the DPNCG added.

Borovinić Bojović: The ambiguity surrounding this heinous crime remains a deep wound in society, crying out for truth

On the 21st anniversary of Duško Jovanović’s murder, Jelena Borovinić Bojović, President of the Capital City Assembly, expressed remembrance and calls for justice through a statement shared today.

“This year, with deep respect, we commemorate the somber memory of Duško Jovanović, a courageous journalist and editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper ‘Dan,’ who was killed on this day, 21 years ago. Though I cannot personally offer my respects at the site of his passing this year, my thoughts and sentiments align with all those who relentlessly strive for truth and justice,” Borovinić Bojović noted.

She added that “the ambiguity surrounding this vile crime continues to be a significant wound in our society, resonating as a plea for truth.”

“I implore all institutions to employ their full capacities to ensure that the conspirators and perpetrators of this murder are finally brought to justice. Freedom of the press is not merely an abstract ideal; it is the cornerstone of any democratic society. Journalists must have the right to operate in a safe and free climate, for only in such a society can we discourse on justice, advancement, and a brighter future for everyone,” said Borovinić Bojović.

CCE: It seems political changes have not improved the handling of Jovanović’s murder case

The Center for Civic Education (CCE) announced that it appears that shifts in the political landscape have not transformed the handling of Duško Jovanović’s murder case. Today marks the 21st anniversary of Jovanović’s death.

“This murder serves as a painful reminder of unresolved political violence with tragic consequences and poses a significant challenge for institutional maturity in Montenegro, which remains unaddressed even after two decades. While an investigation was initiated immediately following the crime, and one individual has faced partial prosecution, critical inquiries—such as who orchestrated the murder and the associated institutional culpability—remain unanswered. The ongoing reluctance to clarify these details indicates systemic weaknesses, perpetuating a culture of impunity that further erodes public trust in the rule of law. It feels as if changes in the political framework have not transformed the approach to this case. We continue to observe a perfunctory, sometimes politically motivated discussion of Jovanović’s murder, devoid of genuine intent to uncover the complete truth. This attitude not only denies justice to Jovanović’s family but sends a perilous message—that attacks on journalists can remain unpunished, especially when they engage in politically sensitive journalism,” CCE remarked.

CCE also highlighted that the current media landscape in Montenegro suggests that lessons have not been learned from Jovanović’s murder.

“On the contrary, we witness ongoing antagonism against the media and journalists, often articulated by prominent public officials, simply because they don’t favor their reporting. Some lawmakers and government representatives misuse their authority to undermine the integrity of the media, and even threaten restrictive measures that could jeopardize their operations. Such actions, especially when exhibited by those in positions of power, discourage investigative journalism and critical assessments of authority. In this context, freedom of expression in Montenegro suffers not just from individual assaults but also from a systemic environment that places journalists in precarious, defensive, and legally unprotected situations,” CCE concluded.

In respect to Montenegro’s aspirations in Europe, the NGO emphasized that ensuring journalists’ safety and effectively addressing crimes against them is not only a professional and moral duty to the media sector but also a crucial indicator of commitment to democratic principles.

“Only when every aspect of Duško Jovanović’s murder is uncovered and consistent protective measures for journalists are applied, can Montenegro become a society that truly upholds its citizens’ fundamental rights and strives to foster a democratic political culture,” the CCE asserted.

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