The Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms (Ombudsman) has urged all social actors to refrain from using derogatory and inflammatory language in their discussions, emphasizing the responsibility of all public figures to maintain societal stability.

This statement was part of the Ombudsman’s response to “Vijesti,” following a series of strong comments and accusations made by Democratic Montenegro officials against the attorney Veselin Radulović and the Executive Director of Human Rights Action (HRA) Tee Gorjanc Prelević.

They asserted that insults should never be a method of communication, regardless of the source or target.

“The fundamental principle is that tolerance and a culture of dialogue serve as the foundation for any society; we must adhere to this,” they conveyed to the editorial team.

The public dispute between the Democrats and Gorjanc Prelević emerged after HRA’s director reacted to remarks by the party’s Alekse Bečić, who condemned lawyer Radulović, accusing him of mafia connections after he publicly questioned the motives behind the vetting process at the Police Directorate for several months.

Gorjanc Prelević claimed that the party is employing threats and blatant defamation to deter lawyer Radulović, along with others receiving threatening messages, from pursuing their mass dismissals and suspensions in the police and military…

The Democrats have repeatedly responded to Gorjanc Prelević’s claims, asserting that she is providing the lawyer with a “political and media shield” and using him as “cannon fodder,” while emphasizing that the vetting process in the police cannot be halted.

Gorjanc Prelević then clarified that the aim of these “multi-day attacks” is evident: “To discredit all of us and instill fear for our children. Who should I consult for a security assessment? The Democrats, who audaciously and openly attack me.”

“In terms of the safety of every individual, particularly those who are frequently in the public eye and work towards the development of a democratic society and the protection of human rights, they require special attention and assurance of basic personal security, managed comprehensively by the state and its administration. The mere expression by Ms. Gorjanc Prelević of concern for her family’s safety necessitates special consideration, especially given that her work promotes democracy and the respect for human rights,” the Ombudsman’s office stated.

They clarified that this does not inhibit freedom of expression or information, including necessary limitations to protect the reputation and rights of others.

“This also encompasses the safeguard of political discourse and any public interest dialogue, which must be highly protected and free from inappropriate constraints on the exercise of this freedom, including the speech of officeholders in legislative and other government branches,” they emphasized.

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