All forms of violence, coercion, and intimidation against media professionals, particularly physical assaults while carrying out their duties, are unacceptable and necessitate the prompt prosecution of all offenders, as stated today by the Institution of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms.

The institution expressed alarm over an incident that occurred today in the village of Gornje Zaostro, where photojournalists from Pobjeda and Vijesti were subjected to attacks. According to their account of the event, it appears that certain individuals still fail to recognize the pivotal role and significance that the media occupy in every society.

“We wish to remind everyone that the core responsibility of photojournalists, cameramen, journalists, and other media professionals is to accurately reflect societal events, inform the public, and raise awareness or concerns on behalf of the community. It raises questions as to why the participants and/or organizers of the gathering sought to prevent the public from learning about their actions. Regardless of their motives, obstructing the work of media crews, which escalated into an assault on their physical and psychological well-being, is both unacceptable and condemnable, as it jeopardizes the carefully developed—yet still fragile—media freedoms in Montenegro,” the statement emphasizes.

They underscore the fact that any aggression against free journalism endangers the public’s right to receive information and the fundamental values that society should uphold: free expression, transparency, and accountability.

“Independent and ethical media serve the public as well as the oversight mechanisms of every government and the interest of the populace, and their safeguarding must be a top priority for all institutions. To successfully carry out their mission, media professionals must have the ability to operate without fear for their safety, freely and responsibly, in accordance with ethical and professional standards. Ensuring a secure and supportive environment for journalists is essential not only for professional journalism but also for the strengthening of democratic processes, including the protection and promotion of human rights,” the statement concludes.

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