NGO 35mm: That the protection of journalists does not remain a dead letter

From the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) 35mm, they welcomed the support regarding the proposal to amend the Criminal Procedure Code by the Parliamentary Committee for the Political System.

The formal proposer of the changes is the deputy of the Law of Montenegro, Marko Milačić, and on the initiative of several non-governmental organizations - Action for Human Rights, the Media Union of Montenegro, the Media Institute, the Civic Alliance, the Association of Journalists of Montenegro, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Center for Civic Education, the Media Center and “35mm”.

"The statistics of attacks on our colleagues in the previous period are alarming. If we add to that the fact that the perpetrators of many of them have not been discovered nor have they been adequately punished, it is clear why our colleagues cannot do their work freely and professionally. because, according to an unwritten rule, they are the first targets of attackers who try to use violence to regulate, pressure and stifle media freedom," the statement signed by media program editor Milica Đokđurić states.

As she said, they believe that the tightening of penalties for attacks on journalists and the introduction of new criminal offenses will ensure a safer atmosphere for the work of journalists and media employees, especially due to the fact that after numerous attacks, the safety and dignity of media workers have become questionable. , and the environment in which they work is very risky.

They appealed to the decision-makers to grant official status to journalists in Montenegro as soon as possible.

"In the condemnations we sent regarding the attacks on our colleagues, we mentioned that it is necessary for the state to show the power of institutions and reveal the circumstances of all attacks, and adequately punish the perpetrators," Đokđurić pointed out.

She added that marking the International Day of Combating Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists is a public appeal to all decision-makers to use their authority so that attackers of media workers are discouraged from attacking our colleagues, verbally insulting them, and threatening them. them or family members and endanger their property.

"Attacks on journalists can only be suppressed with effective investigations and serious punishments. This will also give us the necessary protection for all those colleagues who engage in investigative journalism, which is the foundation of media freedom, on which democracy should rest." , she announced.