By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) strongly condemns the appalling death threats directed at Standard portal journalist Kristina Perković, which represent yet another in a series of serious attacks against journalists in Montenegro.
We are deeply concerned by the brutal and explicit nature of these threats, as well as by the fact that they were directed not only at the journalist herself but also at members of her family. In response, the Working Group for the Establishment of a Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists contacted Ms. Perković and offered her legal and psychological support.
For some time now, we have been warning that women journalists are increasingly becoming targets of threats, harassment and sexist attacks in the online sphere, as confirmed by our research. During the previous year alone, we recorded 12 such attacks, while since the beginning of this year three more of our female colleagues have been subjected to online violence.
Such an atmosphere requires an urgent, decisive and effective response from institutions and competent authorities. Montenegro’s Criminal Code has been strengthened in this area, but its provisions must be applied consistently and without delay.
It is high time that cases involving threats and violence against journalists receive appropriate judicial outcomes that will have a genuine deterrent effect and send a clear message that there is no place in a democratic society for the targeting and intimidation of media workers.
Women journalists must be safe, both in their workplaces and in the online environment.
