Unlike a part of the regional media, the electronic media registered in Montenegro showed a high degree of professionalism and responsibility when reporting on the tragedy that happened in Cetinje, serving the interests of the public and contributing to the preservation of social stability, it was announced from the Council of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services (SAMU ).
They said that they would react to the "irresponsible behavior of a part of the regional media".
"The Council of the Agency for Audiovisual Media Services of Montenegro (SAMU) expresses regret over the fact that a number of regional media used the tragedy in Cetinje to repeat old narratives that undermine the cohesion of civil society in Montenegro, insisting on ethnic divisions and deepening social tensions. Such actions are not only irresponsible, but also extremely harmful to efforts to preserve stability and trust among citizens, especially at times when the media play a key role in promoting social solidarity and responsible information," the announcement states.
They said that accordingly, AMU, guided by legal powers and responsibility for the protection of public interest, will take additional measures of supervision over content broadcast by electronic media registered in Montenegro, as well as over programs rebroadcast through cable operators.
"The agency is intensifying surveillance, aware of the impact of media coverage of the tragedy on social stability, security and the emotional state of citizens," it added.
"We remind you that SAMU has previously acted to protect the public interest, including limiting the rebroadcasting of television programs that broadcast inappropriate and harmful content. Such was the case in 2022, when it was determined that certain programs reported on the tragedy in a sensationalistic and provocative manner. endangering the dignity and privacy of the victims and their families, as well as Montenegrin society as a whole what an abuse of the tragedy with the aim of spreading ethnic divisions and deepening social tensions," the announcement reads.
"All the decisions and activities of the Agency are aimed at preserving the public interest. The public will be informed about all further steps in a timely manner," it concludes.
12 people were killed in the shooting in Cetinje, two of them children. The perpetrator of the murders, Aco Martinović from Cetinje, died during transport to the Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG), after shooting himself in the head.
Four people were seriously injured in the shooting, and they were hospitalized in KCCG.
On the occasion of the tragic event that took place in Cetinje, the Government made a decision to declare January 2, 3 and 4 as Days of Mourning.
Bonus video:
