NGO 35mm: Full support for Mandić, repression of journalists and critical voices reaches worrying proportions

Brano Mandić has our full support during this process and the shameful attempt to repress a freely expressed position, a shot at sarcasm, irony and metaphor from his column, the non-governmental organization (NGO) 35mm announced today.

"Those who, with their indifference, are ahead of all institutions of the system - the police, or increasingly - the repressive apparatus, have this time mixed up all the pots in their 'zeal'. Whoever reads the column in question regarding Stamatović's shameful statement (we deliberately avoid calling him a professor), and then the explanation of the Police Administration (UP) - can freely mistake Montenegrin reality for a Monty Python sketch or TBOK (The Books of Books)," the statement by NGO 35mm, signed by Darko Ivanović, executive director, states.

The NGO added that they warn that repression of journalists and critical voices is reaching worrying proportions.

"Today it is a subpoena for a column, and tomorrow it could be an attempt to completely suppress free expression. The criminalization of public criticism and institutional intimidation of journalists represents a serious blow to democracy and fundamental human rights. But this does not reach the 'professionals' from the UP. We appeal to international organizations, media associations and civil society to support the fight to preserve freedom of expression in Montenegro," the NGO 35mm said in a statement.

They said that without free and independent media, we cannot talk about a democratic society or about true transparency and accountability of public officials.

"Freedom of speech is not a privilege, but a basic human right that must not be jeopardized. If we remain silent today, tomorrow every critical word can be a reason for persecution. Therefore, support, loud and decisive, for every criticism of the rusty cogs of the system and its representatives. Whether they are at the University or in the non-security sector," said the NGO 35mm.

Journalist Brano Mandić announced yesterday that the Police Directorate has initiated proceedings against him before the Minor Offences Court in Podgorica due to allegations from a column in which he criticizes a public speech by University of Montenegro professor Aleksandar Stamatović.

The Police Department announced last night that in the case of filing a misdemeanor report against Mandić, police officers acted legally, without the intention of undermining or targeting an individual, and with equal treatment towards all citizens.