The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) is deeply concerned by the fact that, seven full years after the attempted murder of investigative journalist Olivera Lakić, the beginning of the judicial process is still not in sight. TUMM stated that, despite some positive developments in addressing attacks on journalists in Montenegro, this case—along with the murder of the editor-in-chief of Dan, Duško Jovanović—remains a symbol of impunity and the institutions’ unwillingness to protect the fundamental values of a free and democratic society.
The Union noted that Lakić, a recipient of numerous awards, including the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award, was wounded by gunfire in front of her apartment in Podgorica on May 8, 2018.
“Although the authorities and high-ranking officials were quick to condemn the attack at the time, those declarative statements have not amounted to much—in fact, while the investigation into that attack was ongoing, the Special State Prosecutor’s Office claims that her murder was ordered from prison, and only prevented because the potential killer changed his mind and agreed to cooperate with the police”, told TUMM.
They added that the case involving the shooting of Lakić, which was merged with the murder case of Miodrag Kruščić before the High Court in Podgorica, has been postponed multiple times, and was reassigned to a different judge at the end of March 2025.
“We are particularly concerned by lawyer Dalibor Tomović’s warning that the absolute statute of limitations for the criminal offense of grievous bodily harm against Lakić will take effect on May 8, 2028. This means that if the proceedings are not concluded within the next three years, justice will never be served, and a message will be sent to perpetrators that even the most brutal attacks on journalists can go unpunished,” TUMM stated.
They expressed their support for attorney Tomović’s initiative to separate the proceedings related to the shooting of Lakić and the murder of Miodrag Kruščić, in order to avoid further delays.
“Resolving this case must become a priority for institutions in Montenegro—not only for Olivera Lakić, but for all journalists who, despite threats and pressure, continue to work persistently in the public interest,” the Union concluded.