No inflammatory rhetoric or insults: Ombudsman's message to everyone after Democrats' harsh criticism of HRA director

The institution of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms (Ombudsman) called on all social actors not to use offensive and inflammatory rhetoric in discussions, stating that this is the obligation of all those who operate in the public space and who have a responsibility for the stability of society.

This was, among other things, the response to "Vijesti" from the "ombudsman's" office, after several days of statements by officials of Democratic Montenegro who made harsh qualifications and accusations against the lawyer. Veselin Radulović and Executive Director of Human Rights Action (HRA) Tee Gorjanc Prelević.

They stated that any insult cannot be acceptable as a way of communication between people, regardless of who it comes from and to whom it is directed.

"The basic assumption is that tolerance and a culture of dialogue are the foundation of every society, and when we say that, we mean that we should stick to it," they told the editorial team.

The public controversy between the Democrats and Gorjanc Prelević began after the HRA director reacted when the party's Alekse Bečić In a statement, they lashed out at lawyer Radulović, whom they accused of working for the mafia, after he publicly challenged the manner and motives behind the vetting process at the Police Directorate for months.

Gorjanc Prelević announced that the party "is using threats and blatant disqualifications to try to prevent lawyer Radulović, and all others to whom threatening messages are being sent, from processing their mass dismissals and suspensions in the police and military..."

This was the reason why the Democrats responded to Gorjanc Prelević on several occasions, claiming that she was giving the lawyer a "political and media shield", that she was using him "as cannon fodder", emphasizing that vetting in the police would not be able to be stopped.

Gorjanc Prelević then announced that the goal of the "multi-day attacks" was clear: "To discredit us all and to scare us for the children. Because what's next and who should I ask for a security assessment from? From the Democrats, who are openly and shamelessly attacking me."

"When it comes to the safety of every person, especially publicly exposed figures who contribute to the building of a democratic society and respect for human rights and freedoms, they should be the subject of special attention and the provision of the basic assumption of personal security, which is taken care of in the broadest sense by the state and its administration. The mere fact that Ms. Gorjanc Prelević stated that she was concerned about the safety of her family is enough to pay special attention to this, especially since her work and actions contribute to the strengthening of democracy and respect for human rights and freedoms," the Ombudsman's institution said.

They explained that this does not in any way affect freedom of expression and information, including the application of restrictions related to the protection of the reputation or rights of others.

"This also includes the protection of political speech and any other debate of public interest, which must enjoy the highest degree of protection and cannot be subject to any pressure or inappropriate restrictions on the exercise of this freedom, including the freedom of speech of office holders in the legislative and other branches of government," they said.