The Network for the Affirmation of the Non-Governmental Sector (MANS) announced that, in the next year, with the support of its partners, it will continue to provide Montenegrin journalists with legal and logistical assistance in accessing information that is in the possession of state institutions.
"Access to accurate and verified information is one of the necessary prerequisites for responsible journalism, dedicated to the common good and public interest. Montenegro faces numerous challenges every day when it comes to disinformation and fake news, as well as access to official information held by state institutions." announced MANS.
Complex administrative procedures for exercising the right to free access to information, as they add, can have a demotivating effect on journalists whose newsrooms do not have enough resources to legally implement all these procedures to the end.
"MANS has for many years maintained a support service for citizens, the media and other social actors who are interested in gaining access to information that is in the possession of a state institution. Several years ago, in response to the COVID19 crisis, we presented an application for smart mobile phones (Android and iOS operating system) that enabled users to send requests for information in a simpler way and get answers to them. Now we continue providing that service for journalists as part of the #SustainMedia program implemented by the German Development Agency GIZ, DW Akademia and Internews, with the financial support of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development," the statement added.
The so-called Free Access to Information Service (SPI service), as they explained, includes assistance when submitting requests and receiving responses from competent institutions, but also conducting all legal procedures in cases where institutions do not provide information, in accordance with the law.
MANS invited Montenegrin journalists to use some of the communication channels and submit a request for free access to information, and that NGO, as they said, will do their best to get the requested data and documents.
The SPI service can be accessed via the smartphone application "Ask the Institutions", which can be downloaded from the "Google" or "Apple" online store.
The request can also be submitted by filling out the form at the following web platform, or directly to the email: spi@mans.co.me.
"The use of official, verified information, whether it is daily reporting or investigative journalism, is an irreplaceable tool in the fight against corruption and a powerful ally in the democratization of a society. Journalism without facts is just propaganda," concludes MANS.
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