By The Intersectoral Working Group for the establishment of a mechanism for the protection of journalists held its first meeting, formally launching the process of creating a system aimed at enabling rapid information exchange, coordinated action between institutions and the media community, and timely support for journalists in cases of threats, attacks, and other forms of endangerment.
At the meeting, the first operational steps of the Working Group were agreed upon, including the formation of an operational team for urgent information exchange and coordinated response, as well as a separate team that will work on defining the legal and financial framework of the future mechanism.
It is particularly significant that, at the very start of its work, the Mechanism registered its first case involving threats against a journalist, tested the rapid exchange of information, and enabled both legal and psychological assistance. This indicates the clear need for such a form of protection and response. In that first case, the value of swift communication and the linking of relevant actors was confirmed, demonstrating that the Mechanism has already shown its effectiveness.
In the next phase, an SOS hotline for reporting attacks and threats against journalists will also be established within the framework of the Working Group.
The formation and launch of the Working Group represent a continuation of the process initiated with the signing of the Protocol on the Protection of Journalists, proposed by the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro. The Protocol was signed by Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković, Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović, Minister of Justice Bojan Božović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Interior Dragana Kažanegra Stanišić, and President of the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro Radomir Kračković.
On behalf of the media community, the Protocol was also signed by Tinka Đuranović from Portal Analitika, Marija Tomašević from Radio and Television of Montenegro, Marijana Bojanić on behalf of the daily newspaper and Television Vijesti, Milena Perović from Monitor, and Vladimir Utješinović on behalf of the Association of Local Public Broadcasters.
Following the signing of the Protocol, the Government of Montenegro appointed the members of the Intersectoral Working Group at the end of February 2026.
The aim of this process is for Montenegro to establish an effective model for the protection of journalists, based on rapid institutional response, mutual trust, and the availability of legal and psychological support. In circumstances where threats and attacks remain significantly present, establishing such a mechanism represents an important step toward creating a safer environment for media professionals.
