The Media Council for Self-Regulation expresses serious concern about the decision of the authorities of the Republic of Serbia to ban the entry of journalist and author of the show "Načisto" Petar Komnenić, presenting it as a reciprocal measure after Montenegro banned the entry of Informer's editor-in-chief, Dragan J. Vučićević.
Such a move is not a surprise after the announcements made by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, in the previous days. However, the attempt to bring the professional work of a journalist on the same level with the editorial policy of a media that is sanctioned in Montenegro for the continuous spread of hate speech, insulting the dignity of citizens and denying the Montenegrin national identity is worrying.
We remind you that the Council of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services temporarily banned the rebroadcasting of the Informer TV program due to the continuous broadcasting of content that incites hatred and discrimination and insults the citizens and institutions of Montenegro. The decision to ban the entry of Dragan J. Vučićević followed a series of public appearances in which he used offensive and inflammatory speech towards Montenegro and its citizens.
On the other hand, Petar Komnenić has been building a professional career for years through an author's show in which he asks questions to power holders and other social actors. His journalistic style may be a subject of public controversy or criticism, but what cannot be disputed is that his work is not marked by hate speech, discrimination or insulting anybody. This is precisely why his identification with Dragan J. Vučićević represents a dangerous precedent and sends the message that professional journalists can become collateral damage of political calculations.
Of particular concern is the fact that this decision is being taken at a time when a public discussion has been opened in Montenegro about possible changes to the ownership structure of the company Vijesti, with numerous speculations and information about the interest of companies close to the authorities in Serbia to enter the ownership of that media. The Media Council for Self-Regulation does not want to prejudice the motives or connect these events, but believes that this development of circumstances further increases concern for the preservation of media pluralism, editorial independence and freedom of professional journalism in Montenegro.
Professional media in the entire region have been working under strong political and economic pressure for years. Journalists face discredit campaigns, threats, economic insecurity and increasingly pronounced attempts to influence editorial policy. In such an environment, bans on the entry of journalists to other countries represent additional pressure that is not in line with democratic values, freedom of expression and the public's right to be informed.
The Media Council for Self-Regulation believes that political disputes between countries must not be resolved over the backs of professional journalists. Journalists are not diplomats, nor representatives of the government, but people whose job it is to ask questions, investigate and inform the public. That is why they cannot be the subject of political reciprocity, but statesmen and officials must refrain from measures that can threaten the freedom of the media and the free exercise of journalistic work, because independent journalism and freedom of expression are the foundation of every democratic society.
If a professional journalist can be declared a "reciprocal measure" because of the work of a propaganda tabloid that is sanctioned for hate speech, then it is not journalism that is being punished - it is professionalism.
Media Council for Self-Regulation
