Hate speech, misogynistic and degrading comments represent a form of discrimination and violence that violate dignity, safety and freedom of work, the Department for Gender Equality Affairs of the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights announced today.
They made this statement in response to the arrest of Čedomir Radičević (70) yesterday after Vijesti journalist Jelena Jovanović reported him to the police for online attacks, insults and attempted intimidation, which she claims she was subjected to due to her journalistic work.
DON'T MISS IT
"The Department for Gender Equality Affairs of the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights welcomes the timely response of the competent authorities in the case of insults and hate speech sent via social media towards a female journalist, which resulted in the deprivation of liberty of one person. The Department recalls that freedom of expression does not include the right to insult, humiliate, threaten and gender-based harassment, especially when the targets of such attacks are women performing professional duties in public space. Hate speech, misogynistic and degrading comments represent a form of discrimination and violence that violate dignity, safety and freedom of work," the statement states.
The Department for Gender Equality Affairs said that "cases like this confirm the importance of consistent application of the law and a clear message of zero tolerance towards hate speech, digital violence and all forms of gender-based harassment."
"The department encourages all citizens to report such behavior and contribute to creating a safe and dignified public and online space for everyone," the statement reads.
The Podgorica Misdemeanor Court fined Radičević 400 euros yesterday for the crude and misogynistic insults directed at him by Jovanović.
Bonus video:
