By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) fully supports and stands in solidarity with journalist Nemanja Živaljević, who bravely and publicly spoke out about censorship and described how his superiors intervened and fundamentally altered an interview he conducted—an act that, professionally, he could no longer stand behind.
Given our understanding of the media landscape in Montenegro and in the broader region, we knew it was only a matter of time before someone would publicly expose the censorship that journalists are subjected to. Year after year, our research shows that censorship and self-censorship remain the most serious problems in journalism. The findings also consistently point to editors and media owners as key sources of pressure on journalists—something Živaljević has now confirmed through his own experience.
Since 2020, and at the initiative of TUMM, the Media Law has included provisions designed to protect journalists and their professional independence, prohibiting editorial interventions that fundamentally alter journalistic work. According to Article 43 of the Media Law, Newsmax Balkans was not permitted to broadcast the interview with former Montenegrin Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić without the author’s consent to the changes. On the contrary, Živaljević clearly and repeatedly opposed the alterations, and yet the censored version of the interview was aired despite his resistance.
Given this breach—which Živaljević himself has described as harmful—he is entitled to seek compensation for the damage incurred.
TUMM, through its free legal aid service, is prepared to offer support to colleague Živaljević, as well as to any of our members who may find themselves in similar situations. Censorship is a serious issue, one that we can only combat through solidarity, by speaking out publicly, and by using every legal tool we’ve fought to put in place.
Main Board of the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
