The Association of Professional Journalists of Montenegro (DPNCG) calls on the Government of Montenegro to stop its irresponsible and rude attitude towards journalists, whose work and its importance it does not recognize and does not recognize.
"Today's incident, when journalists were told that there would be no press conference in the Government an hour after it was supposed to start, is of course not isolated. Less than a month ago, in the middle of March to be exact, journalists and videographers were left in the rain to wait for the outcome of the vote about the dismissal of the director of the police. At that time, the explanation was that they could not just enter the Government building because it is under protection, so the dilemma remains as to why it took an hour today for the General Secretariat and the Government Public Relations Bureau to remember the journalist," it is emphasized in announcement of the DPNCG signed by the General Secretary Mila Radulović.
Earlier today, the government canceled the press conference where the Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property Janko Odović was supposed to speak, because the discussion on the lease of Montenegrin swimming pools was postponed at the session of the executive power.
DON'T MISS IT
The Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property later announced that Odović expressed his regret for the misunderstanding that arose in connection with the announced press conference regarding beaches and swimming pools, and that he highly values journalism as a profession.
DON'T MISS IT
The DPNCG said that despite the positive messages sent by minister Tamara Vujović and her efforts to adopt a set of quality media laws, the Government as a collective body shows that it does not understand and does not care about quality and professional journalism.
"Because, if it wasn't like that, she wouldn't look at journalists as her 'servants'. That's why we will remind the officials of the executive power at least once a month that they are obliged to respect the journalistic profession. Because the media is a pillar of democracy and the eyes and ears of the citizens of Montenegro." it is written in the announcement.
DPNCG, which gathers distinguished journalists from most newsrooms, is ready to organize a meeting with the General Secretariat so that in a direct conversation between journalists and representatives of the Government, they can work on improving cooperation and stop this negative attitude towards media representatives.
"We believe that this is the best way because it is obvious that the Government does not know its obligations towards the media and journalists, as well as the rules of our profession. Or it still treats journalists only as a necessary evil," the statement concludes.
Bonus video:
