By In a letter to Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović, Acting Director of the Police Administration Lazar Šćepanović, and Head of the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Berane Jadranka Mićović, the SMCG referred to Article 417, Paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code of Montenegro – negligent performance of duty.
That article, they noted, explicitly prescribes that the offense is committed by an official “who, by violating the law or other regulations or general acts, by failing to perform supervisory duties, or in another way, clearly acts negligently in the performance of duty, while being aware or obliged and able to be aware that such conduct could result in a serious violation of another’s rights or material damage.”
The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro had previously expressed deep concern that the police did not respond promptly to prevent the incident, even though it was clear that tensions at such an event could escalate.
They emphasized that the unwillingness of the competent authorities to establish police accountability would undermine trust in public institutions, weaken the system of protection for media workers, and encourage those who seek to stifle critical reporting through violence.
In addition to police accountability, the SMCG also asked what measures were taken to sanction the individuals who prevented Boris Pejović and Stevo Vasiljević from photographing the Chetnik gathering and the unlawful erection and unveiling of a monument to Pavle Đurišić.
“We remind that, according to their testimony, dozens of people held them hostage against their will for as long as an hour and a half, destroyed equipment worth between 10,000 and 15,000 euros, and even physically assaulted Vasiljević. What criminal offenses have been brought against these individuals, and have all those who participated in the attack been identified and questioned?” the SMCG stated in its letter.
We expect the competent authorities to urgently clarify all circumstances, prosecute all those responsible, and make it clear that every attack on media freedom will be sanctioned without exception.
