The Media Union of Montenegro (SMCG) announced that it is deeply concerned about the fact that, even seven full years after the attempted murder of investigative journalist Olivera Lakić, there is no sign of the start of the trial.
SMCG points out that despite positive developments in resolving attacks on journalists in Montenegro, this case, along with the murder of Dan editor-in-chief Duško Jovanović, remains a symbol of impunity and the unwillingness of institutions to protect the fundamental values of a free and democratic society.
"Lakić, the recipient of numerous awards, including the International Woman of Courage Award presented by the US State Department, was wounded on May 8, 2018, in a gunfight in front of her apartment in Podgorica. Although competent and high-ranking officials rushed to condemn the attack at the time, declarative statements were of little use - moreover, while the investigation into the attack was ongoing, her liquidation was ordered in prison, according to the Special State Prosecutor's Office, which was prevented because the potential killer changed his mind and offered cooperation to the police," it was announced.
The case of wounding Lakić, which was linked to the murder of Miodrag Kruščić before the Higher Court in Podgorica, SMCG reminds us, was postponed multiple times, and at the end of March 2025 it was transferred to another judge.
"We are particularly concerned by the warning of lawyer Dalibor Tomović that on May 8, 2028, the absolute statute of limitations for the criminal offense of grievous bodily harm committed against Lakić will expire. This means that if the proceedings are not concluded in the next three years, justice will never be served, and the perpetrators will be sent a message that the most brutal attacks on journalists can go unpunished. Therefore, SMCG supports lawyer Tomović's initiative to process the cases for wounding Lakić and the murder of Miodrag Kruščić separately, in order to avoid further delays."
SMCG says that resolving this case must become a priority for institutions in Montenegro, for the sake of Olivera Lakić, but also for all journalists who, despite threats and pressure, persistently work in the public interest.
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