The brutal physical attack on journalist Ana Raičković has been an unpleasant reminder that in Montenegro, journalists remain unprotected and are exposed to all forms of aggression, from insults to physical assaults. The Media Council for Self-Regulation strongly condemns last night’s attack on journalist Ana Raičković.
This is not merely a physical assault on one journalist; it is an attack on all journalists and media in Montenegro. The Media Self-Regulation Council has long warned that an unfavorable climate towards journalists and media is being created in the country, with politicians readily insulting and attacking journalists when dissatisfied with their reporting. In such an atmosphere, it was only a matter of time before someone felt emboldened to physically attack a journalist. That is precisely what happened last night to journalist Ana Raičković.
It is now up to the state and its institutions to show determination and take concrete action to demonstrate that this type of threat to journalists will not be tolerated in our society. The future safety of journalists in our country will depend on how the competent institutions proceed in this case. This will also serve as a test of how capable this government is of creating conditions for the normal and safe work of journalists and media.
Ranko Vujović
Executive Secretary
Media Council for Self-Regulation
