By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro strongly condemns the statement made by the head of the parliamentary group of Democratic Montenegro, Boris Bogdanović, in which he accused journalists from three Montenegrin media outlets of being on the payroll of criminal clans.
As a public official and holder of public discourse, Bogdanović should be aware that such accusations, if made without evidence, constitute a serious form of targeting journalists and media. This kind of rhetoric is not only unacceptable but also extremely irresponsible, especially coming from a position that demands restraint, well-founded arguments, and respect for media freedom.
This is not the first time that verbal attacks on journalists from certain media outlets have come from representatives of Democratic Montenegro. Such attacks can undermine journalists’ professional integrity and further weaken freedom of expression in a society that is still struggling with pressure on independent journalism.
We remind MP Bogdanović that his public statements have influence and consequences. If he is dissatisfied with media coverage, he should express his disagreement in a civil manner — through specific, evidence-based, and transparent corrections and responses, rather than attempts at discreditation.
We call on him to stop targeting journalists and, instead of fostering mistrust and hostility toward the media, contribute to creating an environment in which freedom of expression and media pluralism are protected.
