The application of new laws on media and audiovisual services represents a strong response to the spread of hate speech, ensuring urgent court proceedings and strengthening the role of regulatory bodies and self-regulation, announced the Minister of Culture and Media, Tamara Vujović.
On the occasion of the International Day of Combating Hate Speech, she pointed out that the department she heads emphasizes the importance of a joint fight against all forms of intolerance and discrimination in developing a society in which we will have zero tolerance for hate speech.
Vujović, as announced by the Ministry of Culture and Media, said that hate speech violates the basic principles of human rights, freedom and dignity, and therefore requires collective action and commitment.
"We recognize this growing toxic phenomenon, which poisons our everyday life and contaminates the spirit, and with responsible policies we work to ensure that our citizens are exposed to it as little as possible," Vujović said.
She said that the Media Strategy and the new law on media and audio-visual services provide a strong response to hate speech.
"The law on media enables urgent court proceedings for spreading hatred against all communities, not only minority peoples, as well as urgent court proceedings for spreading hatred based on the request of the party seeking protection of special rights, and not only on the basis of the prosecutor's request," she said. is Vujović.
She pointed out that the new laws strengthen the role of the regulatory body and self-regulation in the media, which are recognized as key actors that can correct the media environment in which hate speech originates and spreads.
"In order for them to perform their full function, we need educated and empowered citizens who will actively participate in the fight against hate speech by reporting cases of hate speech," added Vujović.
She said that apart from the media, hate speech finds its biggest training ground for spreading on social networks.
"That's why we need media-literate citizens, responsible politicians, governmental and non-governmental sectors that spread positive messages, promote educational programs and campaigns," Vujović said.
According to her, that is why the Media Strategy 2023-2027 envisages the establishment of a network to combat hate speech, online harassment and misinformation in Montenegro.
Vujović stated that the goal is to form a new institutional body that will publicly point out the authors and transmitters of disinformation and hate speech.
She said that cooperation is planned with the University of Montenegro, non-governmental organizations, global internet companies and social networks in order to find the best way of working for that body, and define the responsibility for marketing such content.
"The key role of the network will be to strengthen free and professional journalism and inform the public about those who spread bad content," Vujović pointed out.
She said that they are encouraged by recent experiences where the quick reaction and proactivity in the actions of the competent authorities to the appearance of possibly illegal content is evident.
"Also, the reactions of the public are increasing, which means that as a society we are becoming aware of the harmfulness of hate speech in public space. Holders of public offices, whose words resonate far away, should be especially careful to refrain from rhetoric that is incendiary and susceptible to various constructs," concluded Vujović.
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