The United Nations Human Rights Committee has expressed concern over the frequent use of so-called SLAPP lawsuits, which are often employed as a means of intimidation and silencing journalists and media workers reporting on matters of public interest.
According to the report of this UN body on Montenegro, the Committee also regrets the lack of information provided by the state regarding the outcomes of such cases and the available legal remedies for journalists and media workers.
“Although the adoption of a revised Law on Free Access to Information, in line with international standards, is in the planning stage, the Committee is concerned about the growing trend of classifying public information without clear justification and the resulting uncertainty,” the Committee stated, adding that they are also worried about how the new law will address this issue.
Furthermore, despite the existence of legal remedies in cases where public institutions fail to respond or delay responses to information requests, the Committee is troubled by the high number of complaints filed on this basis.
Concern Over Hate Speech in the Public Sphere
The Committee also expressed concern about the high levels of hate speech in public discourse in Montenegro, particularly on the internet, in traditional media, at sporting events, and in schools.
As they noted, the main targets of such attacks are often political opponents, ethnic, religious, and national groups—including Roma and Egyptians—as well as women, the LGBT community, persons with disabilities, and the poor.
“Particularly concerning are reports of war crimes denial and the glorification of war criminals, which often come from politicians,” the Committee stated.
They also warned of the insufficient institutional response to these occurrences, the public’s low awareness of mechanisms for reporting hate speech, and the lack of deterrent effects of existing sanctions.
Adoption of Media Laws as a Positive Step
The Committee recognized the adoption of a set of media laws (on audiovisual media services, media, and the National Public Broadcaster RTCG) in 2024 as a positive step. These changes, according to the report, contribute to strengthening media pluralism and freedom of the press.
The UN body also acknowledged efforts to strengthen the Agency for Personal Data Protection and Free Access to Information, including increasing staff numbers and organizing training sessions on privacy rights and access to information for agency officials, NGOs, media organizations, and the general public.
Call for Stronger Action
The Committee recommends establishing a national mechanism for the safety of journalists and media workers, which would focus on preventing and responding to attacks on media personnel.
To enhance the fight against hate speech and hate-motivated violence, the Committee suggests that Montenegro intensify efforts to promote respect for diversity and raise awareness about the prohibition of hate crimes.
Proposed measures include public awareness campaigns and the implementation of planned activities within the National Media Strategy for the period 2023–2027.
The Committee also calls on the state to take a firmer stance against gender stereotypes and hate speech directed at women, particularly those active in politics and the media.
This fight, as highlighted in the report, should involve media engagement, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to reduce discrimination and improve the position of women in public life.