Juventas: All journalists must have equal protection before the law

The attack on Radio Television of Montenegro journalist Dušanka Pejović represents a serious blow to media freedom and the safety of journalists in Montenegro, assessed the non-governmental organization (NGO) Juventas.

The NGO said it expects an immediate and strict response from the judiciary in the event of the attack on Pejović, in order to send a clear message that violence and threats against media workers are absolutely unacceptable and that all journalists, without exception, must have equal protection before the law.

Juventus strongly condemned the attack on Pejović, assessing that it represents a serious attack on media freedom and the safety of journalists in Montenegro.

According to them, any form of violence against media representatives not only threatens the public's right to truthful and impartial information, but also further deepens the atmosphere of fear and insecurity in society.

"This, unfortunately, is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader problem that journalists in Montenegro have been facing for years," the statement said.

Juventas pointed out that it is particularly concerning that the targets of such attacks are often female journalists, which, according to the NGO, indicates deep-rooted misogyny and the unequal position of women in the media and society in general.

"The attack on Pejović, which took place in front of her apartment, testifies to the growing pressure and insecurity that journalists in Montenegro face," Juventas said.

The NGO welcomed the quick police response and the arrest of the suspect, but also pointed out the worrying fact that this incident is happening at a time when the Police Directorate is prosecuting the well-known journalist Brano Mandić.

"Such cases raise a serious issue of the selective approach of institutions when it comes to protecting journalists. We remind you that the institutions of a democratic state are obliged to ensure equal treatment and protection for all journalists, regardless of their views, media outlets or the topics they cover," Juventas stated.

They reminded that institutions are particularly obliged to protect the safety of those who write about social problems, social change, and whose work criticizes systemic irregularities.