The Media Union of Montenegro condemned today's statement by Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, in which he threatens to shut down City Television.
In an informal conversation with a journalist, Abazović said that, in the same way that Sputnik was blocked, that television could be blocked as well.
"Threats like this are unacceptable in any context, formal or informal conversation, and especially not from the level of the highest state officials. This is a clear indication that Montenegrin officials still lack sensibility for media freedom. Media freedom, which we all strive for, also implies different editorial policies, and public officials should have a higher degree of tolerance for criticism and refrain from any pressure and reckless statements. If they feel that some of their rights have been violated by media reporting, they have the opportunity to seek justice in court," the media union said in a statement. .
They called on their colleagues to be in solidarity, "because unfortunately almost all newsrooms of the Montenegrin media are exposed to threats and attacks, regardless of the editorial policy".
CGO: Abazović must not threaten to shut down the media even in jest
Prime Minister Dritan Abazović must not even jokingly threaten to shut down the media, the Center for Civic Education said.
They reacted to Abazović's statement addressed to a journalist from Gradska Television, that if they blocked Sputnik, "Gradska is not far from that either".
The CGO assessed the Prime Minister's actions towards the journalist as "inadmissible".
"The lack of solidarity of some journalists who find this statement funny is also worrying, because threats are not funny," they announced.
Bošković: This approach speaks volumes about the commitment to European integration
The deputy of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Predrag Bošković condemned, as he says, the attempt to collapse the freedom of "independent and professional media by one of the highest state officials".
"This approach towards critical media speaks volumes about the commitment to the European integration of our country," he said.
Vuković: Abazović should apologize and stop threatening the media
DPS MP Aleksandra Vuković also reacted, saying that they demand Abazović to apologize to Gradska and stop threatening the media and thereby obstructing Montenegro's European path.
"If it were up to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I would unhesitatingly choose the latter," are the ancient words of Thomas Jefferson," she wrote on her Twitter account.
Nišić: "European" prime minister threatens to shut down the media
The director of the Social Democrats of Montenegro, Irma Nišić, announced that the public "was taken aback by today's threats by the "European" prime minister in an attempt addressed to the City Television".
"He, dissatisfied with the editorial policy of this media, which is quite critical of him and his government, announced that, "just as they shut down Sputnik", he would also shut down Gradska. With this, this "democrat" really showed his inherent democratic capacity. on the other hand, the media, which publish neo-fascist content every day and draw targets for people, do not bother the prime minister. We will remind you that not so long ago, Abazović called the portals that criticize his government and party "Botov", and as the vice president of the 42nd government, he also threatened to shut down some of them ", stated Nišić.
She added that the attitude that Abazović shows towards critical media "is a reflection of your culture and your lack of democratic capacity".
"As far as Montenegro is concerned, since we still haven't reached the level of "Russian democracy" that you would like, you won't shut them down. None. Instead, slowly pack your things, because in a relatively short time you will have access to the government building in Karađorđeva a memory with no probability that it will happen again," Nišić concluded.
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