Over the past seven days, four attacks against journalists working for television and online media outlets have been recorded. In order to ensure that such cases are processed more efficiently and that victims receive legal and psychological support, an intersectoral working group has been established to work on setting up a national mechanism for the safety of journalists.
Attacks and threats via social media, as well as direct intimidation, are becoming an increasingly common experience for journalists and media professionals. Last year alone, 30 such cases were recorded. To ensure a safer environment for journalists to perform their duties, the Government of Montenegro appointed an intersectoral working group at its session on 26 February to work on establishing a national mechanism for the safety of journalists. The group, which began operating last week, is headed by long-time journalist Predrag Nikolić. Attacks have already been reported.
“Last week we held the first constitutive meeting of the mechanism. So far, we have already received four reports — the police informed us about four threats. In three cases we offered legal assistance, which was accepted, and one journalist who received threats will also be provided with psychological support,” Nikolić told the public broadcaster Radio and Television of Montenegro.
The task of the working group is to analyse existing legislation and institutional procedures, as well as to propose concrete solutions to ensure that the future mechanism effectively protects journalists and other media workers.
“Institutions will react, while we are there to monitor the process and provide direct support to journalists,” Nikolić said.
The initiative to establish the mechanism was launched by the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro and formalised through the signing of the Protocol on the Protection of Journalists in October 2023. The protocol was signed by representatives of the prosecution service, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Interior, as well as representatives of the media community.
“A free SOS hotline through which journalists will be able to report attacks and threats will soon be available. This is a shared goal of both the media and institutions in order to strengthen support for journalists,” Nikolić added.
The national mechanism will operate according to the Dutch model as a rapid response system to attacks, threats and pressure against journalists. This means that a unified procedure will be in place for handling all reported cases of attacks. Once a report is filed, designated contact points within the police and prosecution service would be activated immediately to ensure a prompt response. The aim is for the mechanism, the police and the prosecution to operate as a coordinated and operational team capable of quickly and effectively protecting journalists’ safety.
Source: Radio and Television of Montenegro (Jelena Bobićić-Čović)