Montenegro Demands Justice for Assaulted Investigative Journalist Ana Raičković

November 15, 2024 – Montenegro- 

Montenegro has been rocked by the recent assault on freelance journalist Ana Raičković, triggering a wave of outrage from press freedom advocates. On November 2, 2024, Raičković and her cameraman were attacked outside the Podgorica court by a real estate developer and his security guards while investigating a controversial construction permit linked to local political and business interests. The assailants physically assaulted her cameraman and attempted to seize their equipment, while Raičković sustained minor injuries and psychological distress.

The attack exposed glaring failures in preserving journalists’ safety when shining light on local power dynamics. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the incident, demanding an impartial investigation, the arrest of the perpetrators, and adequate protection for Raičković and other reporters covering sensitive stories. CPJ Europe representative Attila Mong emphasized: “Targeted attacks on journalists covering public-interest topics jeopardize democratic accountability.”

Simultaneously, the Council of Europe’s Platform on Journalistic Safety flagged the incident, classifying it as a serious threat to press freedom. Their online alert called on Montenegrin authorities to ensure thorough investigations, prosecution of those responsible, and enhanced protective measures to prevent future attacks. They noted freelance journalists often lack institutional backing and are highly vulnerable.

This assault fits a troubling regional pattern: journalists exposing corruption and maladministration are increasingly targeted in the Balkans. Raičković’s case underscores the heightened vulnerability of journalists who probe politically connected land deals. With growing pressure from international rights groups, Montenegro now faces a critical test of its commitment to media freedom and democratic accountability.

In response, the government has pledged to launch criminal investigations and vowed that justice will be served. However, past impunity in similar cases has fueled skepticism. Observers warn that only swift prosecutions and systemic protections can restore journalists’ confidence and guarantee their ability to report without fear.

Raičković, who narrowly escaped serious harm, continues her investigative work. She has called publicly for both legal recourse and stronger institutional safeguards for the media. Her ongoing reporting highlights the need for a concerted effort: Montenegro must act now, not just to punish the attackers, but to send a clear message that harassment of journalists will not go unanswered, reinforcing a transparent environment essential for democratic governance.

Reference – 

https://fom.coe.int/en/alerte/detail/107641732

Journalist attacked by business owner, security guards in Montenegro

Montenegro: justice for journalist Ana Raičković