By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) expresses concern over the police’s conduct toward Petar Komnenić, author of the programme “Načisto”, following its broadcast on Television Vijesti.
We believe that waiting for the journalist in front of the newsroom building, immediately after the programme ended, was inappropriate and unnecessary. Such conduct created an impression of urgency and repression that was not justified in this case.
If there was a need to obtain certain information from the journalist, this could have been done without creating pressure and without actions that send a message of intimidation. It is particularly questionable why such urgent action was required, given that during the programme itself the journalist publicly explained the circumstances and the content of the discussion.
In a democratic society, the actions of competent authorities must be measured and proportionate, without symbolism that may be perceived as a warning to the media.
We recall that Komnenić had previously been threatened with prosecution by senior police officials. We hope it will not become a practice to treat journalists in this manner when they ask questions to which state officials have no answer.
