By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro strongly condemns the insults and sexist comments that a doctor from the Clinical Center of Montenegro has been directing for days at Magdalena Čelanović, a host at Gradska Television.
We particularly denounce this primitive behavior because it comes from a healthcare professional — a group that is itself often exposed to verbal attacks due to the nature of their work.
We remind the public that healthcare workers, just like journalists, play a vital role in society, and it is their responsibility to set an example of dignified and responsible communication.
Although such actions, strictly speaking, do not constitute a breach of professional duties performed at or related to the workplace, we believe they nonetheless warrant a response from the healthcare institution where the doctor is employed, at the very least in the form of a public condemnation.
Given that Čelanović stated she feels endangered, we call on the relevant authorities to examine whether there are grounds to initiate proceedings for her protection, including mechanisms against harassment and threats.
It is utterly unacceptable that female journalists — who make up the majority of Montenegrin newsrooms and are often targets of online abuse because of their work — continue to face insults and degradation based on their gender. Sexism, misogyny, and threats directed at women in the media not only worsen their already challenging professional position but also constitute a direct attack on freedom of expression.
The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro will continue to closely monitor the situation and advocate for the creation of a safe and dignified environment for all media workers.
