Valentina Minić, president of the Democratic Women's Forum, said that the "inappropriate, vulgar and threatening attack" by a cardiologist from the Clinical Center on Gradska TV journalist Magdalena Čelanović represents a direct attack on media freedoms and citizens' right to objective information.
"With indignation, disgust and concern, I most strongly condemn the inappropriate, vulgar and threatening attack by cardiologist KCCG VP on Gradska TV journalist Magdalena Čelanović. This incident, in addition to being brutal and directed at a woman, represents a direct attack on media freedoms and citizens' right to objective information. The fact that psychological violence, sexual harassment and vulgar attacks come from a reputable doctor, a person who should symbolize the highest ethical standards in our society, is particularly worrying. When representatives of professions trusted by the public resort to such low methods of intimidation, it represents an alarming signal that warns us that we must put an end to such unacceptable and deviant forms of violence and degradation of women in public discourse," she said.
She reminds us that research shows that female journalists in Montenegro are often exposed to additional levels of violence because of their gender. They face sexist insults, online harassment and explicit threats of violence, as is the case with journalist Čelanović.
"I welcome the quick reaction of the competent institutions and the determination to investigate this case. I especially appeal to the Medical Chamber of Montenegro to speak out regarding the unprofessional and ethically unacceptable behavior of its member, because such actions damage the reputation of the entire medical profession. The Forum of Women Democrats remains steadfast in defending media freedom and the right of journalists to do their job without fear or pressure. In the democratic society we strive for, it is absolutely unacceptable for journalists to suffer any inconvenience, not to mention brutal and explicit attacks, insults and threats - especially considering the horrific cult of persecution, murders, attempted murders, beatings and intimidation that Montenegro has witnessed over the past three decades," the statement reads.
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