Human Rights Action (HRA) condemns the attack on Dnevne novine reporter and photojournalist and once again appeals that amendments be introduced to the Criminal Code (CC) in order to ensure stronger protection of journalists in their work, which is crucial to the development of a democratic society.

Considering that the reporter and photojournalist, as well as persons photographed, were in a public place, and that the photographed persons were undoubtedly public figures because of the past events in which they had participated, and about which the media reported, Dnevne novine crew had a right to photograph them, i.e. to perform their duties in favour of the public interest.

The fact that the reporter and photojournalist in question were attacked and prevented from carrying out their professional duties, and that the incident has been qualified only as a misdemeanour, confirms once again that the press in Montenegro needs enhanced criminal protection under the Criminal Code.

Back in November 2010, HRA submitted a proposal to the Government and parliamentary parties to introduce two new offenses to the Criminal Code – “Prevention of journalists in the performance of professional duties” and “Attack on journalists in the performance of professional duties” – in order to respond to the increased number of attacks on journalists.

Earlier this year, following escalating attacks on journalists and media houses, together with the Media Syndicate we have also proposed amendments to criminal offenses Aggravated murder and Serious bodily injury, when the majority of parliamentary political parties generally supported such amendments to the CC. Additionally, introduction of amendments to the Media
Law in relation to privacy protection, also proposed by HRA in 2010, would clarify that journalists generally have the right to photograph public figures in a public place even without their consent.

HRA believes that the best form of prevention of assaults on journalists and media houses would certainly be an efficient and effective prosecution and punishment of existing cases, and that in the current atmosphere, the introduction of new criminal offenses and amendments to existing ones could help deter potential attackers from future attacks.