"Marković's announcements and comments addressed to journalist Kalač and the LGBTIQ community are the epitome of intolerance and hatred"

The "Together for LGBT Rights" coalition strongly condemns the hate speech addressed to the LGBTIQ community and our allies by lawyer Velibor Marković and at the same time supports the journalist "Vijesti" Damira Kalač, who filed a report against lawyer Marković in her capacity as a citizen, due to threats sent on social media Facebook, it was announced today from that Coalition.

"Given that lawyer Marković refers to the Constitution in his attempt to justify hate speech and open threats, we would like to remind you that the Constitution of Montenegro explicitly prohibits "causing or inciting hatred or intolerance on any basis" (Article 7). Every person in Montenegro, he has the right to express his gender identity and sexual orientation, which is expressly guaranteed by the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination, which also prohibits hate speech. No individual should be allowed to arbitrarily limit the freedom of any citizen of Montenegro, especially not to make open threats to those who stand in defense of basic human rights and freedoms. We are particularly concerned that hate speech and threats were used by someone who may also professionally have the opportunity to represent a member of the LGBTIQ community, which obviously affects his objective judgment about to such a person," the statement of the Coalition "Together for LGBT Rights" emphasizes.

They added that the posts and comments of lawyer Marković on social networks, addressed to the journalist Kalač and the LGBTIQ community, are the embodiment of intolerance and hatred, and are directly threatening.

"Therefore, the Coalition demands a quick reaction and adequate processing of this case in accordance with the law by the competent authorities to which the case was reported. We especially appeal to the Bar Association of Montenegro to react urgently and decisively, and establish a violation of lawyer ethics in this case. We remind you that the Code professional ethics of lawyers first of all points to the "special type and high degree of professional and moral responsibility of lawyers" and that "the importance and reputation of the legal profession as a whole depend on the manner of work and behavior of each lawyer". The basis of professional ethics and responsibility of lawyers is to "serve the interests of justice and that he is obliged to contribute to the rule of law and a society based on respect for the law through his professional and other public actions and personal example". A lawyer "should at all times be aware of his responsibility and align his actions with it" (principle I, Basics of professional ethics and responsibilities, the Code of Professional Ethics of Lawyers of the Bar Association of Montenegro)", said the Coalition "Together for LGBT Rights".

They stated that the fact that someone who is a lawyer with a long legal practice does not actually know the Constitution or interprets it in a layman's and banal way is particularly worrying, claiming that freedom of expression means that anyone can say whatever comes to mind, insult, slander, mock. is spreading hatred and intolerance.

"Montenegro must be a country of free citizens, the rule of law and human rights. All competent institutions are obliged to ensure that every LGBTIQ person in Montenegro, at any time and in any place, can freely and without fear express their personality, which also includes sexual orientation or gender identity," the announcement concludes.

The coalition "Together for LGBT Rights" consists of: Queer Montenegro, NGO Juventas, Center for Civic Education (CGO), Action for Human Rights (HRA), Alternative Institute, CAZAS, Anima, Montenegrin Women's Lobby, Safe Women's House, SOS Telephone Nikšić , CRNVO, CEDEM, CeMI, Spektra Association, LBTQ Women Stan Association, Ministry of Culture, Clinical Center of Montenegro and Ministry of Human and Minority Rights.