Actual attacks on journalists, Velisa Kadic, Niksic, 13.05.2020.

TUMM •︎ 13/05/2020

Actual attacks on journalists, Velisa Kadic, Niksic, 13.05.2020.

Translations: Podgorica 

  • Case info

  • Personal info

  • Regional center
    Podgorica
  • Gender
    Male
  • Victim(s) name
    Veliša Kadić

  • Media outlet

  • Name of the media outlet
    Večernje novosti
  • Type of media platform
    Printed Media
  • Source of information about the incident
    Vijesti

  • Incident Data

  • Date of incident
    13.05.2020
  • City
    Nikšić
  • Perpetrator(s)
    Not known
  • Attacked by
    Authorities - individuals
  • Type of incident
    Actual attacks on journalists

  • Action by the authorities

  • Public prosecutor's action
    Javni tužilac se nije izjašnjavao o slučaju.
  • Court action
    Nije poznato da je pokrenut sudski postupak.

  • Action taken by the journalists' association

  • Was journalist's association informed by the journalists directly?
    Yes

Amid protest that turned violent Vecernje Novosti correspondent Velisa Kadic was arrested and his eyes were pepper sprayed while reporting from Niksic. He was released after three hours, but the material he had filmed was deleted by the police.

On May, 13 Kadic was reporting from protests in Niksic. As he was trying to film two policemen dealing with a protestor, he was approached by a fully equipped policeman who asked “Who are you? Who gave you a right to film?”

– I was about to show my press card, but they got hold of me. I told them I am a journalist, but they asked for my mobile phone and requested that I delete the footage. After I said that I couldn’t do that because they are holding me, the policeman pepper sprayed my eyes. I still can’t open one – said Velisa Kadic for Vijesti and added that the police took his phone and deleted all footage. Although present colleagues had confirmed he is a journalist, Kadic was arrested. His release came three hours later, after local journalists requested clarification of reasons for his detention and that he is questioned urgently. Kadic stated that the policemen didn’t use force against him. Later the police told that there had been a misunderstanding and provided medical care for his face.