Lawsuit against Montenegro for not protecting "Vijesti"

The publisher of ND "Vijesti" "Daily Press" doo filed a lawsuit against the state of Montenegro, in which it seeks compensation of 60.000 euros because it did not prevent terrorist attacks on the property of "Vijesti" and because the competent authorities did not find the perpetrators of the burning of four vehicles of the independent daily in July and August this year.

In the lawsuit filed on behalf of "Daily Press" by attorney Veselin Radulović, it is recalled that the state did not find the perpetrators of terrorist acts, nor did it show any willingness to take measures to identify them, and that it did not protect the interests and rights of "Daily Press". .

"On the contrary, in addition to the fact that the assets of the "Daily Press" are being attacked, state authorities also show disinterest in finding the perpetrators. Although it is obvious that these are terrorist acts, that is, more serious crimes, the fact is that neither the investigating judge nor the state prosecutor went to the scene, nor did they attend any of the three investigations," the lawsuit states and reminds that "Vijesti" caused great material damage.

He assessed that the inaction of the competent institutions is only an incentive for new attacks on the property of the "Daily Press", as well as that due to the failure to provide protection from attacks by political powerful people, which was aimed at intimidating employees, terrorist acts were also hinted at.

The lawyer adds that two of the three fires followed an interview by the president of the Democratic Party of Socialists, Milo Đukanović, with other media, in which he harshly attacked critical media.

"Additionally, the constant public appearances of the president of the DPS and the former prime minister were an incitement to attacks on the prosecutor's property and creating a feeling of insecurity and fear," states the lawsuit submitted to the Basic Court in Podgorica.

The lawyer reminds that the arson and damage was preceded by constant violence, terror and threats to the employees of the "Daily Press", with the obvious aim of creating a feeling of insecurity and fear.

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