Gorjanc Prelević: Institutions in Montenegro are increasingly tolerating hate speech

Instead of protecting democracy and human rights, institutions in Montenegro are increasingly tolerating hate speech, Tea Gorjanc Prelević, executive director of the Human Rights Action (HRA), announced today.

"A year after the warmongering statement by Marko Kovačević (President of the Municipality of Nikšić), the Administrative Board of the Assembly continues to ignore the request of the State Prosecutor's Office to lift his immunity, while the Prosecutor's Office does not react to it," Gorjanc Prelević pointed out in a statement on the occasion of the International Day against Hate Speech, June 18.

She added that the European Commission (EC) in its latest report pointed to serious problems of anti-LGBTIQ hate speech and political rhetoric.

"The Parliamentary Committee for Human Rights is headed by Jovan Vučurović, known for his homophobic statements, which further undermines the credibility of institutions. Also, religious leaders are increasingly encouraging hate speech, instead of promoting messages of peace and tolerance. Statements by the Metropolitans of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC), Metodije and Joanikije, about war criminals remain without an adequate institutional response, which further normalizes hate speech. The Ministry of Education has not yet reacted to the glorification of the Chetnik commander known for ethnic cleansing of Muslims in northern Montenegro," said Gorjanc Prelević.

She said that responsible authorities should recognize all these phenomena as serious threats to peace, social stability and the rule of law.

Gorjanc Prelević said that hate speech is a form of discrimination and a punishable offense.

"History teaches us that the most serious crimes - war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide - began with hate speech. The normalization of hate speech in the public space of Montenegro seriously threatens the rule of law and social cohesion, has the potential to destabilize society and hinder membership in the European Union. It is necessary for institutions, especially the state prosecutor's office, to take responsibility and act proactively in suppressing hate speech," said Gorjanc Prelević.

According to her, according to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, hate speech is widespread in all segments of Montenegrin society, from the internet and media to the education system.

"Political dissenters, ethnic and religious minorities, and LGBTQ people are particularly at risk. This year, the Committee specifically warned of the increase in war crimes denial, encouraged by politicians, as well as the insufficient response of the competent institutions," said Gorjanc Prelević.