PODGORICA, 18.04.2019. – Montenegro has fallen regarding the freedom of the media and has been ranked 104 in the World Press Freedom Index for 2019, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
From this organization pointed out that the authorities continued with the pressure on the Public service – Radio Television of Montenegro to change its independent editorial policy. They recaled that in June 2018, they dismissed its general manager Andrijana Kadija, and replaced her and several key managers „with supporters of the ruling DPS party“.
„As in previous years, journalists were harassed and threatened by the country’s rulers and its loyalists“, state the report. They also recall that in May 2018, an investigative journalist Olivera Lakic was shot in the leg, adding that, like in many previous physical attacks on journalists, Lakic’s case is still unsolved.
„Self-censorship continues to be a major challenge. Although defamation has been decriminalised since 2011, several lawsuits have been filed against independent journalists and media“, says the Report for Montenegro.
They also adress a problem that professional media outlets have had to cope with serious economic difficulties. The problem is, as they state, that the vast majority of state institutions support the pro-government media by placing advertisements in their publications.
RSF also recall on the case of Jovo Martinovic, an investigative reporter accused of drug trafficking, recieved an eighteen month sentence in January 2019
„Martinović will appeal this decision hoping to be acquitted. The international community has condemned the verdict“, conludes the Report.
When it comes to the Western Balkans countries, the best score has Slovenia, 34th, Bosnia and Herzegovina took the 63rd place, while Croatia is one place behind BiH. Serbia is 90th and North Macedonia at 95th place.