A group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) nominated Marijana Camović Veličković for a member of the Council of Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG) from among organizations dealing with the protection of human rights and freedoms.
As announced by the CCE, in addition to that NGO, Camović Velicković was also nominated by the Human Rights Action (HRA) and the Center for Women's Rights (CŽP).
"This was followed by the support of an additional 26 organizations, making Camović Velicković the candidate of 29 human rights NGOs," the statement said.
It is stated that the organizations that supported Camović Velicković are active in various areas of human rights, including gender equality, rights of persons with disabilities, labor rights, LGBTIQ rights, protection of various vulnerable and marginalized groups, transitional justice, media freedoms, the right to assembly, environmental protection, and youth rights.
Camović Velicković, it is added, already has significant experience in the work of the RTCG Council, where she previously served as vice president.
"During her previous mandate, she responsibly pointed out irregularities and illegalities in the work of the Public Service Broadcaster, and her role in insisting on respect for the law in the process of electing the Director General of RTCG was particularly important," the statement said.
It is alleged that Camović Velićković refused to participate in the illegal election of the RTCG leadership, which was later confirmed by final court rulings.
"Camović Velicković is also a witness in the proceedings before the Basic Court in Podgorica in which individual members of the RTCG Council are being tried on suspicion of abuse of official position," the statement added.
It is stated that Camović Veličković's previous work in the Council represented an important voice in defending the principles of professionalism, ethics and public accountability.
The statement states that the candidacy was officially submitted to the Parliament on Friday, along with complete documentation from 29 NGOs, including a written vision of the work and development of RTCG prepared by Camović Velicković.
It is added that Camović Veličković, through a written vision of the work and development of RTCG, clearly identified the key challenges that RTCG faces, along with concrete and feasible solutions or ways of addressing those challenges.
In addition to the initiators, CCE, HRA and CŽP, Camović Velicković's candidacy was also supported by the Network for Youth Activism of Montenegro, NGO PRIMA, CAZAS, the Media Institute, the Center for Monitoring and Research, and the Association for the Protection of the Rights of Workers and Unemployed Persons of the Municipality of Bijelo Polje.
Candidate Camović Velicković was also supported by the Alternative Institute, the Center for Democracy and Human Rights, the Center for the Development of Non-Governmental Organizations, the SPEKTRA Association, Natura, Đakomo Adriatic, the NGO "35mm", and the Association for the Development of Beekeeping, Fruit Growing, Vegetable Growing and Livestock Raising "Vunov Lom" - Berane.
It is added that Camović Velicković's candidacy was also supported by the Association of Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities, the Union of Associations of Parents of Children and Youth with Developmental Disabilities "Our Initiative", the NGO Women's Action, the Center for Civil Liberties, and the NGO "New Horizons".
Among the NGOs that supported Camović Veličković's candidacy are the Center for Democratic Transition, SOCEN, Juventas, Center for Roma Initiatives, Montenegrin LGBTIQ Association - Kvir Montenegro, NGO "E - Roma Bijelo Polje" and the Bijelo Polje Democratic Center.
These organizations, it is added, come from different municipalities in Montenegro.
"We believe that this candidacy represents an opportunity to strengthen the RTCG Council with a person who has the integrity, experience and knowledge to consistently represent the public interest and contribute to strengthening the role of the Public Service in a democratic society," the statement says.
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