Ombudsman calls for an end to attempts at discrediting, stigmatizing and gender-based violence

The institution of the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms announced that it "stands for the protection of all women" who are exposed to discriminatory, offensive and humiliating campaigns, gender-based violence and other forms of inappropriate and illegal actions. They called for an end to "attempts to discredit and stigmatize" Mirjana Pajković.

They say that no one, regardless of the public office they hold or have held, loses the right to privacy, dignity and protection from violence.

"The Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro, within the scope of his jurisdiction, has taken measures regarding this case, which she will be informed about in the standard procedure, and in this regard, the Protector will not address the public on this occasion," the statement reads.

The Ombudsman institution reminds that women often face "disproportionately greater pressures, moral condemnation and attacks that are deeply rooted in gender stereotypes and misogyny", including "the more severe forms of privacy invasions that we are witnessing these days".

"Therefore, citizens, especially social media users, are urged to refrain from actions that are not only a matter of ethics, but also criminal liability. We make a special appeal to the media to implement responsible and lawful content administration on all their online publications (portals, social media networks) and remove comments containing hate speech and discrimination within the legally prescribed deadline," they add.

They also said that before formally getting involved in resolving the case, the Protector, in a forwarded formal communication, requested information from the competent authorities on the actions taken so far and the measures taken to prevent the publication of illegal content.

They called on everyone who is in any way aware of the existence and/or sharing of such content to notify the competent authorities, primarily the police, prosecutor's office, the Protector or another body responsible for combating cybercrime.