CŽP: So far, five women have contacted us with claims that they were exposed to mobbing by Gredić and other forms of violence

The Women's Rights Center announced that following an article published on the Vijesti portal, titled "She endured shouting and insults for almost a year - an employee at COTEE initiated a procedure for protection against mobbing", they were contacted by five women who claim that, at different times and in different workplaces, they were exposed to mobbing and other forms of violent behavior by Mersudin Gredić, the current acting director of the state-owned company "Montenegrin Electricity Market Operator (COTEE).

"Women who allege that they suffered abuse at work from Gredić have described to us in detail numerous situations in which a disturbing pattern of behavior with potentially serious consequences for the right to work, mental health and dignity of employed women is observed. The allegations made indicate a systemic pattern of harassment, insults, abuse of position and the creation of a hostile work environment in several collectives in which Gredić held managerial positions," the Women's Rights Center announced.

They point out that they are concerned by the allegations that "one of the victims of Gredić's workplace abuse was forced to resign, and that complaints sent by several employees to the Agency for Peaceful Resolution of Labor Disputes and the Board of Directors of COTEE have remained unanswered."

"Because of all the above, we demand that the allegations of all the aforementioned women be carefully, impartially and thoroughly investigated, in order to establish the facts and protect their rights. We call on the Government of Montenegro, given the seriousness of the allegations and the need to avoid further victimization of potential victims, to review the personnel solutions and consider other candidates for the leadership position held by Acting General Mersudin Gredić in the army."

The Center for Women's Rights called on the competent prosecutor's office to urgently investigate whether there is a basis for suspicion in Gredić's behavior that elements of criminal offenses that are prosecuted ex officio exist.

"We call on the president and leadership of the Bosniak Party to show zero tolerance for violence against women in the workplace and to respond to the allegations against Mersudin Gredić, a member of the Presidency and Main Board of the Bosniak Party. The Center for Women's Rights will provide support to the women who have spoken out, and encourages other women to report similar behavior to us at podrska.czp@gmail.com. We demand that workplaces in Montenegro be safe and dignified for everyone, especially for women who too often face a wall of silence and institutional obstacles when they want to protect their rights," it was announced.