By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) is seriously concerned about the death threats made against Vijesti journalist Jelena Jovanović.
For many years, Jovanović has been publicly recognized as a journalist who investigates topics such as organized crime and high-level corruption. For this reason, the threats made against her are seen as a serious attack on media freedom and an attempt to intimidate journalists who carry out their work professionally.
What is particularly concerning is the fact that the person who made these threats publicly identified herself as a lawyer—someone who, more than others, should know not only her rights if she believes she has been wronged, but also the boundaries that must not be crossed, especially when it comes to communication in the public sphere. Death threats must never be a way to deal with media professionals.
We commend the swift response by the police and call on the relevant authorities to fully investigate the case and ensure an appropriate legal outcome. A decisive and timely response from the state is essential for the protection of journalists and for preserving freedom of expression, which must not remain an empty promise.
We also encourage all media workers to report such threats and speak publicly about the pressures they face, just as Jelena Jovanović has done. Only in this way can we stand up against attempts to intimidate members of the media.
