Analysts: Violence against journalists increases in Montenegro

2024-12-08 22:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

In Montenegro, recently, attacks and threats against journalists have increased, causing concerns about their work and rights.

Analysts and media representatives in Montenegro estimate that this spirit has increased the sources of threats against journalists and that, according to them, the situation in this field is alarming.

The analyst and representative of the Institute for Media and the Association of Independent Journalists of Montenegro, Mustafa Canka, emphasizes that the level of safety for journalists is decreasing.

"For a small country with media that are not very widespread, this is something alarming. This is happening because the level of security in Montenegro is declining and we have a weak government that does not show support for a real and free press," said Mr. Canka.

Meanwhile, Ismet Kallaba, an analyst and well-versed in developments in the media field, said that violence against journalists in Montenegro has become a phenomenon.

"Unfortunately, cases of violence against journalists have recently increased in Montenegro. Within this year alone, we have dozens of cases, which shows that violence has become a phenomenon. I think this is a consequence of the fact that previous cases have not been brought to light or the perpetrators of violence and criminal actions have been punished with minimal sentences," said Mr. Kallaba.

Mr. Canka points out that impunity makes violence against journalists in Montenegro even more frightening.

"The police and the prosecution have the duty to review these cases as soon as possible, but the problem with the judiciary continues, which is the weakest level in Montenegro and this will be the case until Montenegro is not part of the Union European", said Mr. Canka.

On the other hand, Mr. Kallaba estimates that Montenegro should work more on raising awareness and protecting journalists.

"In the future, Montenegro should work more on raising awareness and increasing care for journalists as a special layer, taking into account the work they have for society," said Mr. Kallaba.

Mr. Kallaba also blames the media organizations in Montenegro, which, due to polarizations, are not committing enough to the violation of journalists.

"Given that in Montenegro there are several associations of journalists and that the journalists themselves and their associations are polarized, as is society in general, I think that there is a lack in terms of the reaction of the various associations of journalists, when we have to deal with cases of violence," said Mr. Kallaba.

During this year alone, according to the data of the Media Union, there have been more than 18 attacks or incidents against journalists, which is a very large number in a small country with little media such as Montenegro./ VOA