Targeting must end: Ombudsman and DPN condemn new threats to "Vijesti" journalist

New wave of online threats against investigative journalist Jelena Jovanović, who have once again threatened her personal integrity and safety, warns that the protection of journalists is not a privilege of the profession, but a need to protect the public interest and democratic values ​​of society.

This was assessed by the protector of human rights and freedoms, reacting to the fact that Jovanović is under constant "fire" on social networks, where some commentators are practically calling for her lynching.

"Condemning the latest cases of intimidation, insults and targeting of Ms. Jovanović, who has suffered various types of attacks for years because of her work, we point out that any impunity for such acts leaves a mark beyond the endangered individual and the editorial office, because it sends a message to journalists who investigate topics of public interest that they themselves could become targets. We remind you that continuous threats, hate speech, misogyny, public discrediting and drawing targets for media workers threaten media freedoms and create an atmosphere of fear and pressure, which can lead to self-censorship and narrowing the space for free and critical reporting," reads the text from the institution headed by Siniša Bjeković.

The state, it writes, has a positive obligation to ensure effective protection of journalists from threats, intimidation and violence, as well as to send a clear message through timely and effective institutional responses that such attacks will not be tolerated.

"The role of investigative journalists is particularly important, as they, working in the public interest, raise issues of general importance, pointing out various social anomalies and abuses, both in the public authority system and in the private sector. In young democracies, their role is of particular importance, as they contribute to building a culture of accountability, the rule of law and citizens' trust in democratic processes," the response added.

They explain that criticism of the work of the media and journalists is legitimate and protected by freedom of expression, but that the line is crossed when criticism escalates into threats, insults, intimidation campaigns, or calls for violence.

"Women in journalism are particularly, or additionally, threatened by discriminatory and sexist narratives. All these actions do not contribute to public debate, but rather threaten human rights and the democratic order. Therefore, the protection of journalists is not just a matter of protecting a profession. It is a matter of protecting the public's right to be informed and preserving a democratic space in which issues of public interest can be discussed freely, without fear or pressure," the Ombudsman states.

A new series from the same kitchen

After another series of threats and insults on social media, Jovanović filed a report with the police, namely the Podgorica Basic State Prosecutor's Office (ODT).

The inspirer of the new campaign against the organized crime researcher was again a person with the profile of "Niko Kater", who, among other things, stated that she was a traitor to Montenegro, a member of the Skaljar clan, but also a disgrace to journalism.

Then his like-minded people lined up, calling the award-winning journalist the most derogatory names and accusing her of "slandering families" with her articles.

"Only she knows how much malice there is in her, a slimy snitch, an associate of the Skaljar clan. How many honest people she has slandered and young men sent to their deaths with her texts. May God judge her in the end as she wills," wrote Krsto Kukuličić, who is not the only one to receive an offensive comment.

A certain Milan Đukanović then states that this is a Montenegrin journalist who "hates her origins", while Željko Prelević calls on her to say "which clan bought her two apartments".

Jovanović told the prosecution that she recently participated in a show where she said that she could not and would not reveal sources related to Sky Communications, which was the reason for "Niko Kater" to open a hate polygon on Facebook.

"Jelena has buttered her head, she won't say who is providing her with the information! Of course we all know who it is and that his head is buttered too," was the initial comment, followed by new ones with threats and insults.

And after Jovanović reported the case, the orchestrated hunt continued - a user of the network with the nickname Lo Ma wrote: "Many of these people have their own moles! They need to be discovered and punished most severely - domestic quislings, and we know how to deal with them."

Due to similar matters, the journalist reported the initiator in early October, or December of last year.

Emphasizing that this is a systematic campaign against her, Jovanović explains that the consequences of such actions are well known - these posts are regularly followed by comments from people who claim that people are killing because of her, that she is responsible for the deaths of others, that she has "turned families into black" and that society would be better off without her.

"In a country where a journalist was killed, and where two mass murders have also occurred, where dozens of people have been killed, including innocent victims, such messages are not harmless. When you create an atmosphere for years in which one person is presented as the source of all problems, as someone who is killed and suffered because of them, then you consciously encourage an environment in which someone might conclude that a showdown with that person would be justified," she said.

Jovanović therefore called on all those making such accusations to submit evidence to the competent authorities: "If they claim that I am connected to criminal clans, that I work on someone's orders, that I am paid for the texts or that I am responsible for anyone's death, let them prove it to the prosecutor's office. Anything else is brutal slander and an organized attempt at discredit and dehumanization."

She stated that she expects those in charge to look at the entire context of the campaign, because it is not about individual insults, but a pattern of behavior that constantly fuels hatred towards her and creates an atmosphere of lynching.

Jovanović has been the target of threats for years due to his investigative work on organized crime, corruption, and controversial businesses in Montenegro.

Due to the assessment by security services that her life is in danger, she has had police protection for years.

The trial against Andrija Laković, accused of threatening a journalist for "Vijesti", recently began in the Podgorica Basic Court.

An extremely dangerous environment is being created.

The Society of Professional Journalists of Montenegro (DPNCG) called on the State Prosecutor's Office and the Police Directorate to determine who is behind, as they stated, the constant online campaign against Vijesti journalist Jelena Jovanović.

"And to inform the public whether the latest threats were sent from Montenegro or from abroad, and whether there are any obstacles to identifying people hiding behind fake profiles."

They also called on the Ministry of Justice, the Government and the Parliament to adopt amendments to the Criminal Code as soon as possible, so that gender-based hate speech against female journalists would be punished as a criminal offense.

“For years, an organized campaign of discredit has been waged against colleague Jovanović, during which serious and unsubstantiated accusations are made, offensive and misogynistic expressions are used, and messages that can incite hatred and violence are promoted. Of particular concern is the fact that a significant part of the attacks on colleague Jovanović contain elements of gender-based violence. Misogynistic insults, sexist belittling and attempts to discredit her based on her gender are not only aimed at her professional integrity, but also represent an attempt to intimidate, silence and suppress women from the public sphere. Combined with years of targeting, accusations that she is responsible for the deaths of other people, labeling her as a ‘traitor’ and ‘enemy’, as well as open calls for a showdown, this campaign creates an extremely dangerous environment that can seriously endanger her safety. Therefore, such messages cannot be viewed as individual comments on social networks, but as part of a continuous pattern of behavior that can have serious consequences for the physical safety of colleague Jovanović and her family.”

They called on political actors, public officials, social media users, and the general public to contribute to creating a social environment in which disagreements will be expressed through arguments, rather than threats, insults, and campaigns against individuals.

"The Society of Professional Journalists of Montenegro expresses full solidarity with my colleague Jelena Jovanović, as well as with all journalists who suffer pressure, threats and attempts at intimidation due to their professional engagement."

"When you create an atmosphere for years in which one person is presented as the source of all problems, as someone who is killed and suffered because of them, then you consciously encourage an environment in which someone can conclude that a showdown with that person would be justified," said Jovanović after filing the report.

Competent to react urgently

The latest attacks directed at Vijesti journalist Jelena Jovanović are unacceptable from a human, professional, or social standpoint, and as such must be met with clear and unequivocal condemnation, said the President of the Municipality of Budva, Nikola Jovanović.

He stated that free and professional journalism is one of the pillars of a modern democratic society.

"In a city based on openness, tourism and multiculturalism, there is no place for hate speech, threats and intimidation. The state and society must be consistent and principled in condemning and dealing with such phenomena. Any selectivity in reactions sends the wrong message and undermines trust in institutions. I call on the competent authorities to urgently and thoroughly take all necessary measures to identify the perpetrators and establish their legal responsibility. I express my support for journalist Jelena Jovanović, as well as all professionals and activists who contribute to the public interest with their work," Jovanović said.

Jovanović to receive the Thirteenth of July Award

​​​​​​The state must respond strongly to threats, especially threats against journalists, stated State Secretary at the Ministry of Diaspora Aldin Muratović.

"If the state wants to send a clear message to crime and corruption, I believe that journalist Jelena Jovanović should receive the Thirteenth of July Award, which is the highest recognition for contribution to the healing of the state system. It should finally be understood that there are people whose principles, ideals and values ​​cannot be scared and bought," said Muratović.

Threats must not go unpunished.

Threats, insults and continuous targeting of Vijesti journalist Jelena Jovanović represent a serious cause for concern and require an immediate response from the competent institutions, announced the Mayor of the Royal Capital of Cetinje, Nikola Đurašković.

He stated that it is unacceptable for any journalist to be exposed to threats, targeting campaigns and messages that could jeopardize their safety.

"Criticism is legitimate and desirable in a democratic society, but threats, hate speech and attempts at intimidation are not and must not be accepted as a normal form of public communication. The fact that such messages are being sent to a person who has been engaged in investigative journalism for years and who, due to his professional engagement, has already been the subject of threats and security assessments by competent authorities is particularly worrying," Đurašković said.