By We strongly protest against the Secretary of the Association of Journalists of Montenegro, Ivan Milošević’s statement, who said that “it is somewhat inappropriate for a representative of a national minority to lead foreign policy in a country where 74% of the population is Orthodox.”
Milošević’s statement is inappropriate and unacceptable. Not only does it fail to distinguish between religion and nationality, but it also suggests that religious affiliation should be a prerequisite for holding a public office in Montenegro, which is a secular state. His position is discriminatory, nationalist, and undermines the foundations of a civic society.
We firmly oppose such fascist-leaning views and will not allow them to take root in the public space. We emphasize that national or ethnic background, religion or atheism, disability, sexual identity, or similar personal characteristics are not and must not be criteria for holding public office. The only acceptable criteria are those set by law and the Constitution, which explicitly prohibit any form of discrimination.
We particularly protest the passive behavior of the host of the show, Gradska TV journalist Radomir Tešanović, who failed to respond to the statement, thus giving the impression of approval. This violates Principle 4 of the Code of Journalists of Montenegro, which states that religion, nationality, race, or any other affiliation should only be mentioned when necessary for complete information in the public interest, and that journalists are obliged to respect members of other nations.
We remind that Gradska TV is a public service financed from the budget of the Capital City of Podgorica, contributed to by all citizens – believers and atheists, Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholics, Jews, Adventists, and others – none of whom are required to disclose their ethnic or religious identity. We have noted that the editorial staff of Gradska TV has since responded and distanced itself from Milošević’s statement, which is commendable. However, while it is true that it is not always possible to prevent such remarks in live broadcasts, it is the duty of the show’s host to react, rather than allow the spread of chauvinism. For this reason, Gradska TV’s self-regulatory body must address this case.
Media outlets are obligated to develop internal guidelines and technical solutions to “shield” citizens from offensive content and hate speech, and to approach such occurrences proactively. Credible public broadcasters around the world implement a short delay in signal transmission to allow editorial reaction to unplanned outbursts by guests—through warnings, interruption of the program, or follow-up questions.
The host also failed to react in the case of journalist Zdravko Gavrilović, who denied the torture that took place in the Morinj camp, engaging in dangerous revisionism.
We remind that a war crime was committed in Morinj, as confirmed by a final verdict of the Higher Court in Podgorica. The verdict established that war crimes against prisoners of war were committed at the JNA’s detention center in Morinj, including physical abuse. Four individuals were convicted: Ivo Gojnić was sentenced to two years, Boro Gligić to three years, Špiro Lučić to three years, and Ivo Menzalin to four years in prison.
The ruling further states that “a climate of terror and fear for their lives prevailed in the Morinj Detention Center, to which the victims were constantly subjected.”
We call on journalists and editors to respect the ethical standards enshrined in the Code of Journalists of Montenegro, which outlines the duty of journalists not to spread discrimination, prejudice, or hatred, and to report in a way that respects the dignity of all people.
Institute for Media of Montenegro
Human Rights Action
Dina Bajramspahić, civic activist
Center for Civic Education – CGO
Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro
Women’s Rights Center
Media Center
Jovana Marović, civic activist
NGO Prima
Spektra
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
