Ombudsman: Protecting journalists is not a privilege of the profession, but rather the protection of the public interest

A new wave of online threats against investigative journalist Jelena Jovanović, which once again threaten her personal integrity and safety, warns that the protection of journalists is not a privilege of the profession, but a need to protect the public interest and democratic values ​​of society, the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro announced.

As they state, condemning the latest cases of intimidation, insults and targeting of Jovanović, who has suffered various types of attacks for years because of her work, we point out that any impunity for such acts leaves a mark beyond the endangered individual and the editorial office, because it sends a message to journalists who investigate topics of public interest that they themselves could become targets.

"We recall that continuous threats, hate speech, misogyny, public discrediting and targeting of media workers threaten media freedoms and create an atmosphere of fear and pressure, which can lead to self-censorship and narrowing of the space for free and critical reporting. The state has a positive obligation to ensure effective protection of journalists from threats, intimidation and violence, as well as to send a clear message through timely and effective institutional responses that such attacks will not be tolerated," they said.

They emphasize that the role of investigative journalists, who, working in the public interest, raise issues of general importance, pointing out various social anomalies and abuses, both in the public government system and in the private sector, is particularly important.

"In young democracies, their role is of particular importance, as they contribute to building a culture of accountability, the rule of law and citizens' trust in democratic processes. Criticism of the work of the media and journalists is legitimate and protected by freedom of expression. However, the line is crossed when criticism escalates into threats, insults, intimidation campaigns or calls for violence. Women in journalism are particularly, or additionally, endangered, through discriminatory and sexist narratives. All these actions do not contribute to public debate, but rather threaten human rights and the democratic order. Therefore, the protection of journalists is not just a matter of protecting a profession. It is a matter of protecting the public's right to be informed and preserving a democratic space in which issues of public interest can be discussed freely, without fear or pressure," they conclude.