Montenegro Launches Parliamentary Probe into Decades of Attacks on Journalists

Montenegro’s parliament voted to establish an Inquiry Committee to investigate politically motivated attacks on journalists and intellectuals dating back to the 1990s. This initiative aims to address the legacy of unsolved crimes and restore public trust in the justice system.

Parliamentary Speaker Andrija Mandić emphasized the need to confront past injustices, stating that the country had been “held hostage by crime” during the previous administration. The committee will examine cases such as the 2004 murder of Duško Jovanović, editor of the newspaper Dan, and the 2008 assault on journalist Mladen Stojović, who was attacked after reporting on alleged football match-fixing.

The International Press Institute (IPI) welcomed the formation of the committee, highlighting the importance of making meaningful progress on cases that have long remained unresolved.

In support of these efforts, the OSCE Mission to Montenegro provided a Document Management System to the Commission for Monitoring Investigations of Attacks on Journalists. This system is designed to enhance the tracking and assessment of cases involving threats and violence against media personnel.

Despite these initiatives, challenges persist. In 2023, Montenegro recorded 16 attacks on journalists, including incidents of online harassment. The safety of journalists remains a concern, underscoring the need for continued reforms and protective measures.

To strengthen legal protections, amendments to the Criminal Code have been proposed, introducing harsher penalties for crimes against journalists. These changes aim to deter future attacks and reinforce the importance of press freedom.

While Montenegro has seen improvements in media freedom rankings, unresolved cases from the past continue to cast a shadow over the country’s commitment to press freedom. The success of the Inquiry Committee will be a critical indicator of Montenegro’s dedication to addressing these longstanding issues.