By The response and explanation issued by the Police Directorate regarding the misdemeanor proceedings initiated against journalist Brano Mandić for expressing value judgments in a column have further alarmed us. It reveals an extremely restrictive approach by this state institution toward freedom of speech, which contradicts the Police Directorate’s proclaimed goal of “achieving European standards.”
Media and civil society organizations focused on human rights believe that subjecting a journalist to misdemeanor proceedings in this case threatens freedom of expression, as it discourages constructive debate on important societal issues. We therefore call on experienced legal professionals within the Police Directorate to intervene and stop further embarrassment for this institution.
In its response, the Police Directorate insists it is acting “in accordance with the law.” However, in this case, applying the law requires a basic understanding of European standards, according to which the law must be interpreted—especially in a candidate country on the path to European Union membership.
Let us remind the public that the police initiated misdemeanor charges against journalist Brano Mandić following his reaction to a televised appearance by a university professor, who told a female host that he “liked what was above and below the T-shirt she was wearing.” In response, Mandić ironically wrote that it was “a lucky thing for a female journalist to be the object of desire of an old goat who teaches the youth that nothing happens without him…”
Had Mandić called someone an “old goat” in a public space without any context, it might be considered rude and offensive behavior. However, in this context, it must be taken into account that the journalist was provoked by the inappropriate conduct of a professional educator (!) and responded using the expressions he did.
Through his column, the journalist sought to defend the dignity of a colleague from a sexist public outburst by a professor and to highlight the unacceptable silence of the competent institutions regarding the case. And yet, the Police Directorate now threatens him with imprisonment over this.
As we have previously stated, Mandić’s text, and the satire he used to criticize the inappropriate behavior of a university professor, enjoys protection in a democratic society based on European standards. The European Court of Human Rights has long established that freedom of expression protects even offensive language when used with purpose, in reaction to provocation, and in the context of a public debate on matters of general interest—all of which apply to this case.
Given these arguments, the Police Directorate of Montenegro, by insisting on pursuing misdemeanor proceedings, sends a troubling message to all free-thinking individuals who dare to engage in more provocative or polemical criticism of unacceptable behavior in our society.
We express full support for journalist Brano Mandić, who courageously shed light on a shameful event in our public discourse—and had every right to do so.
Once again, we call on the Police Directorate to carefully reconsider our arguments and to drop the misdemeanor proceedings.
Civil society will inform relevant international bodies of the decision made by the state authorities and will closely monitor developments in this case.
Human Rights Action (HRA)
Center for Democratic Transition (CDT)
Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro (CINCG)
Women’s Rights Center (WRC)
Center for Civic Education (CGO)
Media Institute of Montenegro (IMCG)
Media Center
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM)
NGO MANS
