Condemnation of the attack on journalist Ana Raičković

Political parties, trade unions and non-governmental organizations condemned the attack on "Pobjeda" journalist Ana Raičković and her family members.

Businessman Zoran Ćoćo Bećirović and two other people were arrested on suspicion of having attacked her.

"Freedom of the media and safety of journalists are essential foundations of a democratic society"

The UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro and UNESCO express their strong condemnation of the recent attack on the journalist of the daily Pobjeda, Ana Raičković, according to a joint statement.

"Freedom of the media and the safety of journalists are essential foundations of a democratic society. Journalists have a vital role in informing the public, exposing criminal acts and calling governments and institutions to account. Every threat and attack against journalists undermines these fundamental values ​​and contributes to the creation of a climate of fear and insecurity in which freedom of expression cannot progress," the statement reads.

They said that they welcome the quick arrests in connection with this attack and encourage the competent authorities to finalize the investigation as soon as possible, bring those responsible to justice and take all necessary measures so that journalists can do their work without fear for their safety.

"Also, we call on all relevant institutions and organizations to step up efforts aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of journalists in the country, because attacks on journalists seriously threaten freedom of expression, the right to access information and basic democratic values," it added.

"In the spirit of cooperation and commitment to the protection of human rights, UNESCO and the United Nations in Montenegro will continue to support initiatives that provide a free, safe and independent media space in Montenegro, which is one of the basic prerequisites for Montenegro's accession to the European Union," he concludes. in the announcement.

DPNCG: Are the prosecutors at least a little ashamed that Bećirovići and Mijatović physically assaulted the journalist?

The Association of Professional Journalists (DPNCG) announced that it expects the Basic Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica to adequately prosecute, and the court to impose the harshest punishment, for the attack on "Pobjeda" journalist Ana Raičević, because as stated by the DPNCG, the attackers are mostly returnees, that is, they have history of attacks and harassment of critical journalists.

"Let us remind you that Zoran Bećirović's bodyguard, Mladen Mijatović, previously attacked our colleague Vladimir Otašević because he dared to record him, then as a journalist for the newspaper Dan, on his phone. Furthermore, a yellow portal founded by Bećirović's company has been insulting, persecuting and harassing journalists for years, including journalist and correspondent for Vijesti from Kolašin Dragana Šćepanović," the press release of the DPNCG points out.

They added that the Basic State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica did not find elements of a criminal offense in either of these two cases, so the Court for Misdemeanors in Podgorica released Mijatović from responsibility, while Dragana Šćepanović was directed to privately prosecute the portal.

"Now we ask the prosecutors who acted in these two cases, 'do they consider that they have basic knowledge about freedom of expression and the work of journalists' and are they at least a little ashamed that Bećirović and Mijatović physically assaulted the journalist? Let us remind you that in the case of Vladimir Otašević was handled by the basic prosecutor in Podgorica, Ivana Vuksanović, while the case of Dragana Šćepanović was handled by the basic prosecutor in Podgorica, Nikola Boričić We won't do it, it's not the topic, but we expect them to carry out the attack on our colleague Raičević more thoroughly and determine the motives," the announcement reads.

The DPNCG said that "since public officials today were racing to condemn the attack on Pobjede journalist for the sake of political points, there is no need to repeat how inadmissible it is to attack journalists".

"The only thing we can say again on this topic is that we demand that the prosecutors do their job, that they follow the practice of the European Court of Human Rights and that they stop looking through the fingers of those who do not allow journalists to work, threaten them, attack them," it concludes. in the announcement of the DPNCG.

Janović: We must create an environment in which every journalist will feel safe

The deputy of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Nikola Janović announced that Montenegro, as a country that advocates for the rule of law, must create an environment in which every journalist will feel safe and secure, in which freedom of public speech will be guaranteed.

"We are obliged, as politicians, to condemn without exception any kind of violence against public speakers," Janović wrote in a post on IX.

Trade union organization RTCG: Bećirović and his "security" as the last thugs and thugs, family, with the help of security attacked a woman, a journalist

We are shocked by last night's attack on our colleague Ana Raičković from Pobjeda, it was announced from the Trade Union Organization of Radio Television of Montenegro (RTCG).

"Bećirović and his 'security' have already been recognized by the verbal attacks and threats they send to journalists. Last night, they did not threaten, but as the last thugs and thugs, family, with the help of security, attacked a woman, a journalist. 'Men's honour', with fists on a woman , and then on her family and property," the announcement states.

The trade union organization RTCG added that they demand "from the competent institutions to comply with the Criminal Code of Montenegro, which prescribes higher penalties for attacks on journalists and punishes bullies the most severely, in order to finally end the bad practice of continuous lack of reaction to these crimes".

SEP: Threat to basic democratic values

The European Progress Party condemned the attack on the journalist and her family, saying that the act was not just an attack on an individual, but "a direct threat to basic democratic values ​​that we must all protect."

"Freedom of speech and expression, including the right of journalists to free and impartial reporting, are the basic pillars of democracy. Our aspiration to join the European Union implies respect and preservation of these values, which are key to a transparent and responsible society."

SEP believes that it is "the task of all of us to ensure" a safe environment for the work of media professionals.

"The media play a key role in informing citizens and strengthening the responsibility of institutions, and attacks on them are unacceptable in a democratic society. We welcome the quick reaction of the competent institutions, all with the aim of preventing similar cases in the future. We also appeal to citizens and the public to support all journalists who face challenges in performing their profession."

DNP: Revanchism must become an ugly past

The Democratic People's Party condemned, as they say, "the physical and verbal attack on 'Pobjeda' journalist Ana Raičković, which was brutally carried out by Zoran Bećirović with personal security."

They said that the revanchist treatment of representatives of public speech "must become part of the ugly past" in Montenegro and that it "must be put to an end".

"This is all the more so since in the aforementioned case, in addition to the journalist Raičković, two other people who came to her defense were also injured, which casts an overall ugly picture on the events in our country, where there is an emphasized tradition of respect for mothers, wives and daughters Such new attacks on female journalists in a public place are, unfortunately, just another proof that Montenegro must react decisively to such unfortunate incidents, with the full right of media representatives to speak publicly as an integral part of their responsible profession." it is written in the announcement.

The DNP expects that concretely, through legal regulations, all forms of attacks on public speakers will be more strictly defined, "with the hope that this unfortunate case will be the last in Montenegro when someone attacked representatives of the media, endangering their lives, civil and professional rights".

MSS: Journalists still unprotected

The Media Council for Self-Regulation condemned the "brutal physical attack" on the journalist Raičković, saying that the event was an unpleasant reminder that journalists in Montenegro are still unprotected and are exposed to all kinds of aggression, from insults to physical assaults.

"This is not just a physical attack on one journalist, this is an attack on all journalists and media in Montenegro. The Media Council for Self-Regulation has been warning for a long time that an unfavorable climate is being created in the country towards journalists and the media and that politicians lightly insult and attack journalists dissatisfied with their reporting. In such an atmosphere, it was only a matter of days when someone would feel encouraged enough to physically attack the journalists. That's what happened last night to journalist Ana Raičković," announced the executive secretary MSS Ranko Vujović.

"It is now up to the state and its institutions to show determination and to show with concrete action that this type of endangerment of journalists will not be tolerated in our society. The future safety of journalists in our country will depend on the further action of the competent institutions in this case. This will also be a kind of test of how capable this government is of creating conditions for the normal and safe work of journalists and the media," the announcement reads.

NSD Women's Forum: This is an attack on freedom of speech

The verbal and physical assault on a woman by businessman Zoran Bećirović and members of his security is devoid of all ethics and morals, said the Forum of Women of the New Serbian Democracy and added that it was unfortunately not the only incident.

"Two days ago, the councilor of the Democratic Party of Socialists Rajko Perović insulted the journalist of the City Television, Svetlana Eraković, so we are witnessing an increased level of intolerance and arrogance of political structures and individuals who, in the previous regime, were used to subordinating everything to their interests, and putting the critical word under their control." it is stated in the statement that the Women's Forum submitted to the media.

The Forum said that the perpetrators of these attacks must be held accountable for their actions and must be adequately punished in order to stop attacks on journalists, especially female journalists.

"Freedom of the media is the foundation of democracy. This is an attack on freedom of speech, where a clear warning message is sent to journalists that they will be attacked on their doorstep if they report against the will and interests of individuals. If the perpetrators are not adequately punished, the question arises as to what can happen The attack on journalists in Montenegro has been going on for many years.

No one in a free democratic society should suffer humiliation and threats from anyone, let alone suffer physical injuries. Media freedom is what we want in Montenegro. Without freedom of the media and the safety of journalists, the accession of Montenegro to the EU is unthinkable," the announcement concludes.

Milačić: Institutions in the big exam, we expect an immediate and adequate punishment

True Montenegro strongly condemns the attack on journalist Ana Raičković and her family members, said the president of this party, Marko Milačić. He said that this "shameful act" was a direct blow not only to Raičković as a person, but also to the freedom of the media, for the umpteenth time.

"As a reminder, it was Bećirović, accompanied by the same Mijatović, who attacked the then journalist Dan Vladimir Otašević in a shopping center five years ago. Given that there have been significant changes in the institutions, unlike Bećirović's previous attack on a journalist when there was no adequate reaction for him and his bodyguard, the competent institutions are now undergoing a major examination," Milačić said.

The quick reaction of the police is encouraging and we expect immediate and adequate punishment for all those who participated in last night's attack on the Pobjeda journalist, he added.

"As before, we will continue to advocate for harsher punishments for attacks on journalists, because this is the only way to put an end to the pressures and threats that are becoming our everyday life. This is exactly what we actively worked on and changed the Criminal Code three years ago to ensure greater legal protection for journalists and all those who perform their work publicly, but with honorable responsibility.

At a time when we need unity against threats and pressures, we must clearly say that true freedom and morality are shown when we protect those who express their views, regardless of political or ideological affiliation," Milacic concluded.

Spectrum Association: Punish the attackers strictly in accordance with the Criminal Code

The Spektra Association strongly condemned the attack on journalist Ana Raičković and her family members and property. They said that they are urging the authorities to urgently prosecute Bećirović and the other participants in the attack and that they be severely punished in accordance with the Criminal Code, which prescribes greater penalties for attacks on journalists.

"Montenegro must shed light on the long history of violence against journalists if it wants to be a free country. As the Media Union of Montenegro states, this is the 18th incident against journalists this year alone. We have witnessed countless times that the safety of those who reveal crimes against our space, nature, and the citizens of Montenegro, threatened for the sake of profit. It is clear that the attacks will continue until the state resolutely defends journalists and prosecutes all those who carry out violence for the purpose of control. in the announcement of this non-governmental organization.

He also pointed out that, as the European Commission report recently states, it is of particular importance to provide fast and efficient application of laws and institutional protection of journalists from all forms of violence, while giving priority to investigations and judicial monitoring of key outdated cases, as well as ensuring the consistent application of all laws related to the media and supporting a policy of zero tolerance to any form of pressure or harassment of journalists.

Every form of violence against journalists represents a direct attack on freedom and transparency in Montenegro, and without an adequate, efficient and decisive response in the form of a just epilogue to these cases, we cannot talk about democracy, said the Spektra Association.

"That is why we must not leave these values ​​to the clutches of big capital and political elites who strengthen them by their (in)action. They strive to shape the state according to their own measure, treating journalists or other critical voices as their private property. The state has both resources and mechanisms to respond quickly and efficiently to such phenomena, which are not isolated incidents, but a reflection of a system that is persistently maintained by those to whom it is appropriate," the announcement concludes.

Kljajević: The powerful should get used to the fact that the dark ages are behind us

Member of the Democratic People's Party Jelena Kljajević announced that it is unacceptable that "any media worker suffers violence because of written and spoken words".

"Freedom of speech and opinion must be a standard that must never be violated. The dark age, when journalists paid with their lives for their reporting, is behind us, and various powerful people will have to get used to it. The state and the institutions of the system must condemn and sanction this kind of behavior in the strongest terms , therefore support for journalist Ana Raičković."

DPS: The use of physical force is scandalous and inadmissible

The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) announced that attacks on journalists must be a wake-up call for all social actors.

"We condemn the incident that happened last night, the threats and attack on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković by Zoran Bećirović. Attacks on journalists must be an alarm for all social actors, and media freedom is a fundamental determinant of the modern democratic order in every society.

They said that the use of physical force against any person is scandalous and inadmissible, and that it represents, among other things, an attack on the integrity and dignity of the citizen.

"Unfortunately, however, almost every day we witness outpourings of hatred, aggression and physical conflicts, which take place in public space. We ask that all the circumstances of this case be investigated, as well as that the competent authorities do their work in accordance with the law," the statement reads. .

PES Women's Association: State to show zero tolerance towards violence

The PES women's association announced that the state must show zero tolerance for violence.

"We strongly condemn the attack by businessman Zoran Bećirović on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković and her minor son. We hereby send a clear message that such attacks are not acceptable in a democratic society, where media freedom and the right to free expression must be protected and respected. Women's Association PES - and since the beginning of its activities, it advocates that violence against women and children be punished in the strictest way.

"Every attack on journalists represents a direct attack on freedom of information, but also a frightening attempt to stifle critical thinking and prevent the work of those who fight for the truth. The media play a key role in informing the public and maintaining the transparency of government and institutions, and therefore they are the protection and support for journalists is extremely important.

"We call on the competent authorities to urgently implement all necessary actions in order to identify and punish those responsible for this attack in accordance with the law. It is necessary for the state to show zero tolerance towards violence, especially violence by men against women, and thus provide a safe environment in which journalists will to be able to perform their work without fear or pressure.

"We stand in solidarity with the attacked journalist and all professionals who face risks while doing their job. Freedom of the media is a pillar of democracy, so we advocate that it must always be preserved, guaranteed and completely freely achievable," the statement reads.

HRA and CŽP: Unacceptable act of violence

The Action for Human Rights and the Center for Women's Rights announced that the attack on the journalist Raičković and her family members was an "absolutely unacceptable act of violence".

"Raičković, editor of the black chronicle in Win, was attacked last night in Podgorica, as reported, by businessman Zoran Ćoć Bećirović and his security in front of the Gurman restaurant. She was first verbally attacked, and then, as she said, they Police Department, and she and two members of her family received several blows to the head and body. The attackers also damaged the journalist's car. The motive of the attack is the journalistic work of Raičković and her comments in the broadcasts, they announced Victory i TV E", the announcement reads.

They condemned the attack on freedom of expression, "and especially violence against women in a public place."

"The scale of aggression and the shifting of all civilizational boundaries in the resolution of conflicts in our country is very worrying. We praise the effective reaction of the police, we expect those responsible to be promptly prosecuted and to ensure the safety of media employees in this and other ways. We offer our full support to Ana Raičković and to all other journalists who face inappropriate comments and threats".

Đokđurić: We are asking for a serious approach, urgent investigations and strict punishments for all perpetrators

NGO 35mm strongly condemns the attack on journalist Ana Raičković and calls on the competent institutions to react quickly and decisively, prosecute the perpetrators and thus show that attacks on media freedom in Montenegro will not be tolerated, said Milica Đokđurić, editor of media programs at NGO 35mm.

"The gruesome attack by businessman Zoran Ćoć Bećirović and members of his security shocked and deeply disturbed us, because it represents not only an attack on our colleague, but also on the right of citizens to be accurately and timely informed, as well as on the basic principles of democracy and a free society .

We are witnessing a disturbing series of verbal and physical attacks on journalists, whose work is often hindered by threats and intimidation, motivated solely by disagreement with their views or editorial policy. These are not isolated incidents, but a sign of a serious threat to media freedom in the country, which is why the current government must act urgently to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists," reads the statement that Đokđurić delivered to the media.

Journalists in Montenegro have been working under threats and pressure for too long, while the issue of their safety is still not given the status of "urgency" by the authorities, she added.

"We demand a serious approach, urgent investigations and strict punishments for all perpetrators, because only through effective legal proceedings is it possible to protect journalists and send a clear message – attacks on those who seek the truth will not go unpunished," said Đokđurić.

She said that they hope for a decisive reaction from both the competent institutions and the general public.

"It is high time to create an environment in which our colleagues can do their work without fear of attack, humiliation or discrimination. Every attack on journalists is a direct attack on all of us, on the right of the public to be informed freely and on the democratic order that would have to protect all its members," Đokđurić concluded.

Jokić and Špajak: This attack is part of a wider trend of increased violence against women in Montenegro

We strongly condemn the brutal attack on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković and her family members, who were physically attacked by Zoran Coco Bećirović and his security, Bojana Jokić from the LGBT Forum Progres and Milica Špajak from the Social Center said in a joint statement.

"It is frightening how isolated and violent individuals in Montenegro have become, which is a direct consequence of their belief that they are above the law and can act with impunity, which is a direct consequence of the weakness and lack of will of the state apparatus in its efforts to protect individuals from violence.

This attack is a blow to free speech and the right of all of us to be informed. In addition, this violence is part of a wider trend of increased violence against women in Montenegro in the last few years. It is especially alarming when women who perform public work, such as journalists, are targeted, who are increasingly exposed to threats and physical attacks because of their profession," their statement reads.

Jokić and Špajak said that the state must resolutely stand behind free speech and protect women who are on the front line of the fight for truth and informing the public.

"We call on the competent institutions to react urgently, to ensure the safety of journalists, and tougher penalties for attacks on media workers. An attack on free speech is an attack on democracy, and an attack on a journalist and a mother is a blow to the safety and dignity of women in Montenegro. It's time to put an end to this kind of behavior and provide security for all citizens, especially those who, through their work, contribute to informing and strengthening the democratic society," the announcement concludes.

CGO: Institutions to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable before the law

The Center for Civic Education (CGO) strongly condemned the attack on Ana Raičković, Pobjeda journalist, as well as her family members and her property.

"We also express deep concern over the brutality of the perpetrator in this case, which strengthens the already chronic threat of journalists in Montenegro. The institutions must show that they understand the seriousness of this problem and react in a way that will deter in the future all those who think that they can answer to journalists with violence when they are he doesn't like their reporting," the statement of CGO states. The non-governmental organization said that such and similar attacks on journalists are an undoubted attempt to limit their work and reporting on matters of public interest.

"In addition, this strengthens the atmosphere of insecurity among media employees in Montenegro, who often face various forms of pressure, as well as other numerous problems at work. CGO, including the case of journalist Raičković, during 2024 recorded 14 verbal and physical attacks on journalists, which is an alarmingly high number in the Montenegrin context," the announcement states.

The CGE called on the prosecution and the judiciary to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable before the law through effective investigation and prosecution of this case. Only with that approach can the state show resolve in protecting the media and journalists, as well as the necessary zero tolerance towards attacks on them and their property, they added.

"CGO reminds of the need to establish mechanisms that will contribute to the prevention of attacks on journalists and raising public awareness of the importance of free and independent journalism. Impunity for attacks on journalists, their personal property and media property, can only send a message of encouragement to bullies, whether they are in the political, business, criminal or some other sphere, which makes journalists desirable targets, and the safety of media workers is seriously impaired. In the end, the state of Montenegro risks a decline in media freedom, which is contrary to its aspirations for democratic development and European standards." in the announcement.

GP URA: The attack on Raičković is a consequence of the bad attitude of the Spajić and Mandić authorities towards the media and the overall atmosphere in society

From the Civic Movement URA, they strongly condemned the attack, as they said, by Zoran Bećirović and his security on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković and her son.

From this party, they called on the competent authorities to immediately sanction the perpetrators in order to send a clear message as soon as possible to all those who dare to threaten someone because of the journalistic work they are doing and thereby stifle the freedom of the media. They remind that, unfortunately, this is not the first case in which Bećirović is the culprit of attacks on journalists and add that in addition to physical attacks, the businessman constantly targets and conducts dirty campaigns against all those who are not to his liking through his Aktuelno portal.

"In the same way, Vijesti journalist Dragana Šćepanović from Kolašin, because of her articles in which she writes about Bećirović's business, is constantly the subject of his attacks through the Aktuelno portal and threats. We hereby express our support to Ana and Dragana, as well as to all other freelance journalists who, through their actions, point out all anomalies of our society and thus represent its corrective factor," said the URA GP.

They concluded that they are not surprised that someone like Bećirović dared to attack Raičković and that this is a consequence of the daily bad attitude of Spajić and Mandić's government towards the media and the overall atmosphere that prevails in society where no one shuns justice anymore, because the state led by the current government shows total powerlessness and disinterest in everything that is happening.

Gorčević: Any violence against journalists must be severely condemned and adequately sanctioned

The Minister of European Affairs, Maida Gorčević, called on the competent institutions to immediately investigate all the circumstances of the attack on Ana Raičković.

She said that it is unacceptable for anyone to use violence against journalists because of written or spoken words.

"This incident is an attack not only on media freedom, which is one of the key foundations of a democratic society, but also on the dignity of women and the journalistic profession. Any violence against journalists must be strongly condemned and adequately sanctioned in order to protect freedom of expression and preserve the safety of all media workers", wrote Gorčević on the social network Iks.

Joković: Condemn the perpetrators harshly and place them in Spuž

The President of the Socialist People's Party (SNP), Vladimir Joković, strongly condemned the use of force against the journalist Ana Raičkovic and called on all competent institutions to protect her and react in accordance with their powers.

"The freedom of the media and the right of journalists to report to the public without fear are the foundation of every democratic society, and the use of force against journalists is an attack on free speech, democracy and society as a whole.

The time for boasting and showing force over public officials has passed and that is something that the previous perpetrators of such events will have to accept," the statement Joković sent to the media stated.

He said that Montenegro must be a country where journalists will be able to do their work without fear.

"For this reason, we must all behave maturely and condemn any kind of violence, especially against women, so that they can do their jobs without fear. Therefore, I appeal to the state institutions to condemn the perpetrators of such crimes in the strongest possible terms and place them in Spuž, where they is the place. I wish the journalist Raičkovic a speedy recovery and that this attack will be an incentive for her to do even better work in the journalistic profession," the announcement concludes.

PES: An attack on journalists is an attack on free Montenegro

The European Movement Parliamentary Club has now announced that the attack on journalists is an attack on free Montenegro.

"We strongly condemn the cowardly attack on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković, which was carried out by Zoran Ćoćo Bećirović and his security, and we welcome the adequate and prompt reaction of the institutions. Violence, arrogance and any kind of threat to freedoms and human rights must be legally sanctioned in the most severe manner. Attacks on journalists represent inadmissible threats to the freedom of the media and speech, as well as the basic democratic values ​​of Montenegro, and violence against public speakers is unacceptable and represents a blow to their safety, as well as freedom of expression and society as a whole," the announcement reads.

"And when it comes to the attacker, we tell him that the time of impunity has passed, and that we hope that the state institutions will have an adequate response to his attack on democracy. That is why PES, as the largest party in the legislative chamber, will insist that such practices be put to rest once and for all finish," they said.

European Union: Create an environment in which journalists can work without fear

The European Union expressed "deep concern" regarding the attack on the "Pobjeda" journalist, and condemned that act of violence. They said that such incidents represent an attack on freedom of expression and media independence, which are the foundation of a democratic society.

They say that it is important to prosecute attacks on journalists with responsibility and establish all the facts, in order to send a clear message that violence and threats to the freedom and safety of journalists are unacceptable.

"The state must finally create an environment in which journalists can do their work without fear. Any attempt to violate that freedom is an attack on democratic values ​​and human rights. We express our solidarity with Ana Raičković and her family, and we wish her a speedy recovery," the statement reads.

Media union: The state should start sanctioning physical attacks on journalists

The media union announced that only a quick and efficient resolution of the case can send a clear message that there are no untouchables in this society and that any physical and verbal confrontation with media representatives is unacceptable.

"The Media Union of Montenegro (SMCG) strongly condemns last night's attack by businessman Zoprano Bećirović, his son and security guards against Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković and her family. It is particularly worrying that the journalist was hit on the head and body by Bećirović and members of their security, as and members of her family and demolished their car, which indicates an ongoing organized violence and other participants in the attack and that they be severely punished in accordance with the Criminal Code, which prescribes higher penalties for attacks on journalists," the statement reads.

They hope that through this case "the state will stop the practice of not reacting and start sanctioning physical attacks on journalists".

"We remind you that Bećirović has a history of attacks and obvious intolerance towards journalists, and he even used his media to run a dirty campaign against his fellow citizen, journalist Dragana Šćepanović. Also, in 2019 in the 'Delta City' shopping center in Podgorica, a member of his the security guard got in the face and threatened the journalist Vladimir Otašević. That case ended without an adequate epilogue, that is, without a determined criminal i misdemeanor liability to the perpetrator of this attack. Bećirović also repeatedly filed private lawsuits against the media and journalists who reported on his affairs," they added.

They indicate that this is the 18th incident registered by the Media Union this year.

SNP: The voice of the public must not be silenced by force

The Socialist People's Party condemned the attack on the "Pobjede" journalist, saying that they condemn any kind of violence against journalists and attacks on media freedom.

"The physical attack on a journalist is an attack on the right of the public to be informed, but also on the very principles of democracy. It is clear that such incidents have no place in our society and that everyone must be protected from violence, especially those who fight for the truth and convey objective information. information", announced the SNP.

They say that the time of violence against journalists is over.

"In the 21st century, the voice of the public cannot and must not be silenced by force. We expect a quick and efficient investigation by the competent authorities and the strictest punishments for the perpetrators. This is a reminder to everyone that freedom of expression must be protected, and we, as a responsible political force, will continue to do everything to ensure a safe environment for all journalists and media workers in our country."

Media Institute: State to show that it will not tolerate attacks

The Media Institute announced that the attack requires the harshest punishment for the attacker and a clear message from the state that it will not tolerate attacks on journalists, the media and their property, and that it will provide them with conditions for free work.

"The Media Institute strongly condemns the attack on my colleague Ana Raičković, the editor of the Pobjeda daily newspaper, and welcomes the quick response of the police and the arrest of the suspects in the attack, businessman Zoran Ćoć Bećirović and members of his security. Raičković was physically attacked on the street, in the presence of a family member, and the attack according to the report of its parent newsroom, this type of brutality and violence requires the harshest punishment for the attacker and a clear message from the state that it will not tolerate attacks on journalists, the media and their property, and that it will provide them with conditions for free work. in the statement.

They say that the fact that journalists are continuously exposed to pressure and attacks from "different centers of power and individuals who have the feeling that they are privileged in society, that they are above the law and who use the media for pressure" is worrying.

"Bećirović and his portal Aktuelno have, unfortunately, been recognized earlier for the pressures on journalists who critically report on the affairs of the controversial businessman. The fact that journalists in Montenegro are continuously exposed to pressure and attacks from various centers of power and individuals who have the feeling that they are privileged in society, that they are above the law and that they use the media for pressure, the state would have to demonstrate that it is ready to guarantee the safety of journalists and equality before the law successful recovery," the Media Institute announced.

Vojinović: Another in a series of brutal outbursts by "businessmen" who grew up under the auspices of the former regime

The ferocious attack, in which Ćoćo Bećirović and his security guards attacked the journalist Ana Raičković without any consideration, cruelly shows the real face of a system that for years guarded criminal interests at the expense of citizens and freedom of the media, said MP of Democratic Montenegro Anđela Vojinović.

"This is another in a series of brutal outbursts by 'businessmen' who grew up under the auspices of the former regime, who enjoyed privileges and protection for so long that today they are convinced that they can do whatever they want, without consequences.

We must not turn our heads now, as was the case decades ago. We must not tolerate the system that the former government imposed on us, in which it is normal for anyone to beat a woman, a journalist, in a public space, and that with the help of his security? What heroes," said Vojinović.

She assessed that such an image, where such people had support and protection at every step, became a symbol of a Montenegro that until recently was governed by criminal and corrupt structures, keeping everything under their firm grip - from business, through the media, to institutions justice.

"This case is not only a matter of the personal responsibility of the attackers, but also proof that the former regime and its system of arrogance and brutality has not been fully eradicated. And that is our responsibility today - to bring such characters and their protectors to justice and face the consequences.

Well done to those who in just four years forgave the former regime and Duško Jovanović, and Oliver Lakić, and Tufik Softić, and Jelena Jovanović and the burning of Vijesta's property and 711 people killed, among whom, as we can see, innocent citizens of Montenegro and opponents of the former regime," stated Vojinović in a statement delivered to the media.

She said that there will no longer be privileged people, that arrogance must no longer be the norm and that no criminal is and will not be above the law.

"This is not just an attack on one woman or journalist - this is a direct attack on freedom of expression, on the right of every citizen to feel safe, and on everyone who believes in basic human, first of all, and then democratic values," the MP concluded. Democrat.

This is extremely unacceptable and deserves the harshest condemnation from society and an adequate legal epilogue. Violence against women and journalists must be clearly and loudly condemned and prosecuted. Bećirović and the like should know that their time has passed, and that Montenegro will not tolerate thugs and violence, especially not over freedom of speech and its employees.

Radović: Competent to adhere to a policy of zero tolerance towards any form of pressure on journalists

Just ten days after the European Commission's report recommending providing timely and effective protection to journalists, through law enforcement and protection from all forms of violence, Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković was brutally physically attacked, said Milan Radović, program director of the Civic Alliance.

"This is a red alarm that warns that the authorities should prioritize investigating and legally solve key old cases, ensure the consistent application of all laws related to the media and adhere to a policy of zero tolerance towards any form of pressure or harassment of journalists," said Radović in a statement delivered to the media.

Bosniak party: The state must show readiness to protect journalists

The Bosnian Party (BS) strongly condemned the attack on journalist Ana Raičković.

"Journalists must be provided with a safe environment, as a prerequisite for building a democratic society, because the freedom of journalists and media freedom in general are key values ​​and the foundation of every democratic community," the statement of BS states.

From this party, they demand from the competent authorities that the said case be investigated to the end and that the attackers be legally prosecuted.

"The state must have the capacity and show readiness to protect journalists," the statement concludes.

Juventas: Improve existing laws and mechanisms for the protection of journalists

The attack on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković and her family members, by Zoran Ćoć Bećirović and his security, represents an unacceptable attack on media freedom, the integrity of the journalistic profession and basic human rights, the non-governmental organization Juventas assessed and emphasized that such events send a dangerous message to all journalists who face threats every day while working in the public interest.

"Blows, insults and violence against journalists not only represent a physical threat, but also brutal pressure on free and independent reporting, which directly threatens democratic values. An attack on one journalist is an attack on the entire profession, but also on the right of citizens to be truthful and timely informed about important events and topics.

Journalists are key to the functioning of a democratic society, but they often work in dangerous conditions, facing threats, pressures and attacks. The safety of journalists is not only their individual problem, but the problem of the entire society, because the defense of media freedom and the right to information is the basis of every democratic society," states the press release sent by Juventas to the media.

This NGO appealed to the competent institutions to improve the existing laws and mechanisms for the protection of journalists, so that such cases of violence against media workers could be recognized in time, prevented and adequately punished.

"It is necessary to create a safe environment in which journalists can carry out their work unhindered, without fear for their safety and the safety of their families. Finally, we emphasize that the right to information is one of the basic human rights guaranteed by international conventions and domestic legislation. This attack represents a direct violation of that right, as well as a violation of the basic principles of human rights and freedoms," the announcement concludes.

MODEL NGO: Journalists exposed to constant pressure from politicians, businessmen and criminals

From the non-governmental organization UZOR, they said that their latest research shows that journalists in Montenegro are exposed to constant pressure from politicians, representatives of the business sector and criminal structures.

"The slow reactions of state institutions led to the fact that, in addition to constant virtual and telephone threats, journalists also suffer brutal physical violence. Democracy implies strong institutions, and the state's response to the attack on Pobjeda journalist Ana Raičković will show the degree of our determination to be part of European society ", concluded in the statement they sent to the media.