Human Rights Action (HRA) congratulates the Day of Journalists of Montenegro to all journalists.

We believe that the respect for the right of freedom of expression is one of the most important foundations of any democratic society. Furthermore, in the belief that physical safety is above all required for impartial and professional performance of journalistic duties, HRA would like to once again draw public attention to murders, unprosecuted cases of violence and threats against journalists.

 Two months ago HRA warned the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Mr. Igor Lukšić of the need for supplementing the “Report on investigations and violence against journalists” drafted on the basis of the Action Plan for monitoring the implementation of recommendations from the opinion of the European Commission.[1] The Prime Minister was also reminded of the HRA proposal for introduction of two new criminal offenses: Preventing journalists in the exercise of professional duties and Attack on journalists in the exercise of professional duties, following the existing criminal offenses which protect officials in the performance of official duties.

There has been no response of the Prime Minister to date, nor had the Ninth monthly report on the implementation of commitments under the Action Plan for monitoring the implementation of recommendations from the Opinion of the European Commission been supplemented by information on actions taken or progress made in cases of murder of Dan editor in chief Duško Jovanović, murder of Srđan Vojičić who was killed during the attack on writer Jevrem Brković, attacks on journalists Mladen Stojović and Tufik Softić, death threats against human rights violations researcher Aleksandar Zeković, investigation of setting fire to the daily Vijesti vehicles and prosecuting those responsible for the attack on the TV Vijesti  crew in November 2011 in Humci near Nikšić.

On this day we wish to again emphasize the need to inform the public about the status of the above cases and actions taken thus far to prosecute the attackers. By choosing not to reassess the effectiveness of stated investigations, the Government encourages the atmosphere of impunity for physical attacks on journalists, which does not contribute to the respect of journalistic profession and freedom of expression, and hampers the democratic development of our society.

Mirjana Radović, coordinator of the HRA Freedom of Expression Program