MPs from the Europe Now Movement, New Serbian Democracy, Democrats, Democratic People's Party, Socialist People's Party and CIVIS expressed in a joint statement their strong opposition and condemnation of insults to female MPs in the Parliament of Montenegro, which, as they said, should be a place that nurtures diversity, promotes respect and dialogue among political actors.
"Unfortunately, we witness inappropriate attacks on women in politics every day, and such behavior must be stopped! The latest case that concerns us is the attack on MP Branka Marković, to whom MP Filip Adžić addressed insulting words: 'Sit down, you little bitch', 'Shame on you, sit down', 'Shut up there', and similar insults. This way of communication is not only unacceptable, but also represents a serious violation of the dignity of all women in Montenegro," the MPs said in a statement.
They said that Adžić, who, as they point out, had already shown inappropriate behavior towards his colleagues during the Constitutional Committee session, had once again demonstrated his lack of manners.
"Such behavior, which includes attempts to threaten the dignity of women, borders on physical violence and is absolutely unacceptable. It must be strongly condemned, because no woman deserves to be humiliated or intimidated, especially not in institutions that are supposed to serve as an example of respect and equality," the statement said.
The MPs said that every attack on women is an attack on the foundations of democracy.
"Such incidents demotivate women from engaging in politics and fighting for a better standard of living and a society of equal opportunities," the statement concluded.
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