By The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro expresses concern over the complaint filed against journalist Vesna Rajković-Nenadić, which followed a benign social media post in which she mentioned the wife of the Mayor of Podgorica.
The situation Rajković-Nenadić finds herself in is so absurd that it is difficult to find the right words—and even harder to accept—that in addition to all the challenges Montenegrin journalists are already facing, we now have to spend time defending ourselves over a comment about Danijela Mujović’s slippers.
Mrs. Mujović should by now understand that, as the wife of one of Montenegro’s high-ranking politicians, she is exposed to public scrutiny, and that the public has the right to comment. Both Rajković-Nenadić and every citizen of Montenegro not only can—but ideally should—question anything they believe deserves attention. In this case, it was expensive slippers that were brought into question, which led to the filing of a criminal complaint.
Equally concerning is Mrs. Mujović’s announcement—and even threat—that she will continue to press charges against anyone who mentions her. We therefore call on her to raise her level of tolerance and to acknowledge that freedom of speech is a right guaranteed by international conventions. The level of protection of one’s privacy is inversely proportional to their association with public office, especially for those connected to public figures.
