Today is May 3 - World Press Freedom Day, and congratulations have arrived on that occasion.
World Press Freedom Day has been held every year on May 3 since 1993. The decision to celebrate World Press Freedom Day was made at the United Nations General Assembly, in order to raise awareness of the importance of media freedom and to remind national governments that it is their duty to respect and support the right to freedom of expression guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to mark the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration, a statement on the principles of a free press drawn up by a group of African journalists in 1991.
NGO MMNE: Without media freedom, there is no real democracy
In light of this significant date, we would like to express our gratitude to all journalists and media professionals who bravely perform their work, facing numerous challenges, the NGO MMNE announced.
"The NGO MMNE joins from the local level to the global initiative to mark the World Press Freedom Day, the promotion and protection of journalistic freedom around the world. We especially emphasize the importance of local journalism in small communities. Local journalists play a key role in informing citizens about events and topics that directly affect their life. Their work points to many civil problems that are invisible to the public. Without media freedom, there is no real democracy, nor a transparent society in which information flows freely. As an organization dedicated to improving the position of local media and journalism, MMNE emphasizes the importance of creating a stimulating environment for free journalism. as well as ensuring the safety of journalists and media professionals, as well as the financial stability of the media," the announcement states.
Marković: Media with professionalism to contribute to the democratization of Montenegrin society
The Vice-President of the Liberal Party, Jelena Marković, sent congratulations to journalists and media employees with the wish that, as she stated, they contribute to the democratization of Montenegrin society through professionalism.
"With your work, make a full contribution so that Montenegro enters the community of developed and democratic states of the European Union (EU) as soon as possible," said Marković.
Šehović: This day is an opportunity to highlight all the challenges faced by media actors
This day is an opportunity to highlight all the challenges faced by media actors, advocating for media freedom and trying to ensure professional and ethical journalism, said the president of the Social Democrats of Montenegro (SD). Damir Sehovic.
On the occasion of May 3 - World Press Freedom Day, he sent a congratulatory message to all media and media employees, emphasizing that the journalistic profession deserves a much better position in a society that inherits democratic values.
"In addition to the necessity of improving the position of employees in the media, it is necessary to provide a stimulating environment for free journalism, but also to additionally ensure the safety of those who work in the public interest and have the task of timely and accurately informing the public. At every moment, the importance of the role of reliable journalism and independent media, as well as providing accurate and reliable information, but also providing strong support in the fight against fake news and disinformation," said Šehović
Dukaj: Professional media partners on the way to a common goal
Free and professional media are one of the important measures of democracy and maturity of any society, said the Minister of Public Administration Marash Dukaj.
"I congratulate journalists, editors, photographers, videographers and all other media employees as well as media associations and unions on the World Press Freedom Day. Free and professional media, as one of the important measures of democracy and maturity of any society, are one of the key contributions to the reform of public administration and the achievement of our strategic task: efficient, transparent and responsible state administration in the service of citizens. The Ministry of Public Administration sees professional media as partners on the way to our common goal," said Dukaj.
Bečić: Media freedom is the cornerstone of democracy
Media freedom is one of the cornerstones of democracy, which promotes freedom of thought and expression, said the Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Internal Policy, European and Foreign Affairs. Aleksa Becic.
On the occasion of the Third of May, the International Day of Media Freedom, he sent a congratulatory message to all journalists in Montenegro.
"For this reason, the work of journalists must be guided exclusively by the principles of truth and social responsibility, and in no case must it be the result of political manipulation that results in misinforming citizens. The murder of Duško Jovanović, who used his freedom and professional courage to publicly highlight the most difficult social paid for deviations with death, which has remained unexplained to this day, is the most drastic example of attacks on journalistic and media freedom. and on the democratic values of our society," said Bečić.
He emphasized that they undertake to continue to protect the freedom of the media and create, as he said, an environment in which journalists will be able to carry out their activities freely and safely, "and the adoption of laws that promote media freedom in accordance with the best practices of the EU, one is one of the key steps on that path."
"Convinced that we are facing an era of positive changes in the field of media freedom and the conquest of democratic values, I once again thank all journalists for their contribution to building a more transparent society and congratulate them on the International Day of Media Freedom," concluded Bečić.
Ibrahimović: Solidarity and financial independence are key factors of media freedom
Regardless of certain efforts to improve the safety of journalists and to advance the journalistic profession, the media scene in Montenegro is still not fully organized and improved, said the president of the Bosniak Party. Ervin Ibrahimovic.
On the occasion of May 3rd - Media Freedom Day, Ibrahimović pointed out the bad economic situation that "makes media workers powerless to resist pressures and conditions."
"Media activity in financial scarcity makes professionalism impossible, and often makes journalists inferior in relation to numerous centers of power. Certainly, in addition to the problem of financial independence, another very important problem is the deep polarization of the media, which can be very dangerous for such a small market as Montenegrin. We must seriously address these issues in order to achieve complete freedom of the media," said Ibrahimović.
He also adds that "the latest attacks on media workers point to the urgent need to raise awareness of the importance of media freedom and fundamental principles, emphasizes Ibrahimović."
"We must always stand in solidarity and stand up for the protection of those journalists and media who do not share our views, ideas and values. Only when we protect their right to express their opinion and position freely, we can talk about a free society," said Ibrahimović.
Bogdanović: Journalists are guardians of democracy, principles and freedom
Boris Bogdanovic, head of the Club of Deputies and general secretary of the Democrats, said that journalists were the beacons of civic and European ideas and guardians of democracy, principles and freedom.
"On behalf of the Club of Deputies of Democratic Montenegro and on my own behalf, I wish all media houses and journalists in Montenegro a happy World Press Freedom Day. Ever since 1993 and the session of the United Nations General Assembly, every May 3 we celebrate one of the most significant days for every individual who chose the honorable calling of journalists. This day is a reminder that decades of darkness, censorship, beatings and even killing of journalists will never happen again just because they were doing their job - reporting to citizens and telling the truth. and now, in free Montenegro, you were also the beacons of civic and European ideas and guardians of democracy, principles and freedom, and only the free media are truly a pillar of a modern, European and successful society," said Bogdanović.
"The position of journalists is getting better every year, and we must not and do not plan to stop there - we continue at the same pace, improving the working conditions of journalists through the Fund for Media Pluralism and protecting your rights, because this is how we protect Montenegro and its essence, but also we are tracing the path to the European family of nations. A historic opportunity is in front of us and nothing can stop us, because no one can stop the wave of reforms. In the hope that your challenges will be only in the past, and progress in the future, I wish all journalists a happy World Freedom Day media," he concluded.
Borovinić Bojović: Media freedom is the cornerstone of democracy
President of the Assembly of the Capital City Jelena Borovinić Bojović she sent a congratulatory message to the "deputies of public speech in Montenegro".
"Freedom of the media, that is, freedom of public speech is a cornerstone of democracy and the healthy functioning of every society, including ours in Montenegro. At the same time, it is one of the human freedoms that is most susceptible to abuse. That is why I believe that a truly healthy society must establish a fine balance that allows that the freedom of the media is always accompanied by responsibility for public speech, and that it does not cross the line beyond which it turns into hate speech. created by all of us public office holders, who are obliged not only to contribute to the provision of conditions for the free work of the media, but also to insist on the importance of responsibility for the spoken/published word our partners and comrades for a better tomorrow of Montenegro. Happy World Media Freedom Day," said Borovinić Bojović.
Popović: Media freedom is the basis and defense of a democratic society
Vice President of the Assembly Zdenka Popović she sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the International Day of Media Freedom, which is celebrated on May 3:
"Today, more than ever before, media freedom is the basis and bulwark of a democratic society, while journalists play a vital role in uncovering the truth, exposing corruption and preserving democratic principles. That is why it is our duty to protect and promote media freedom.
"Soon, I hope, we will witness the adoption of new media laws that will set higher standards and ensure greater media freedom, as well as the protection of journalists. At the same time, I want to remind you that media freedom is a key condition for Montenegro's progress towards the European Union. Respect for media freedom does not not only to strengthen our democratic institutions, but also to show our commitment to the rule of law and European values, because free journalism is key to building an open and democratic society in which everyone's voice is heard.
"Therefore, on the occasion of the International Day of Media Freedom, I point out the obligation to preserve and improve media freedom in order to ensure that the journalistic profession remains inviolable and that journalists can perform their work without fear," the congratulatory message states.
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