Despite clear warnings from the European Commission, the Council of Europe, and the European Parliament that public officials must not endanger media freedom in Montenegro with their statements, the practice of targeting journalists and media outlets continues unabated.
The latest example comes from Boris Bogdanović, leader of Democratic Montenegro, who used the parliamentary podium to accuse three media outlets – Television E, M Portal, and Portal Analitika – of being funded by criminal clans and claimed that journalists allegedly receive up to €8,000 per article.
"Articles that protect dirty police officers, officers and non-commissioned officers, aren’t written to be read – but to be cashed in. Because the Kavač and Škaljar clans pay certain individuals up to €8,000. Not weekly, not monthly, not yearly – but per article," said Bogdanović.
Such accusations, made without a single piece of evidence, represent a direct attack on the safety of journalists and media freedom. Particularly concerning is the fact that they were made in Parliament, where MPs enjoy immunity and bear no responsibility for what they say.
Instead of using legally provided mechanisms – such as the right to reply, issuing a response, addressing the self-regulatory body, or initiating legal proceedings – Bogdanović chooses to abuse public office to openly target media outlets. In doing so, he is not seeking truth, but attempting to discredit and intimidate.
The deliberate disregard for the legal framework and institutions available to every citizen, including MPs, shows that his goal is not the pursuit of truth, but an attempt to use accusations from a position of power to influence public opinion, undermine the credibility of editorial offices, and discourage journalists.
A particular concern is the fact that Bogdanović’s party controls the security sector – making his statements not merely political pressure, but potentially posing serious consequences for the safety of the targeted media outlets and journalists.
We remind that such attempts to silence the media and intimidate journalists have been identified as key challenges in the European Union’s reports on the state of affairs in Montenegro. They must not become an acceptable practice.
If Mr. Bogdanović truly possesses information about criminal activities within the media – he is obliged to report it to the state prosecutor’s office, not act as an arbiter from the parliamentary bench.
The Media Council for Self-Regulation once again calls on political actors to stop strengthening their positions by spreading unfounded accusations against the media. Public officials must lead by example and show how to respond responsibly to potential inaccuracies – through the existing legal framework, not through public attacks.
Manipulating the public, targeting journalists, and attempting to silence critical media must stop.
Ranko Vujović
Executive Secretary
Media Council for Self-Regulation
