Montenegro needs to adopt a new media law to strengthen freedom of expression and media freedom. Reform is also needed in the National Media Council as Montenegro does not have such a body, and the emphasis on this issue has been constantly highlighted in the reports of the European Commission, as well as in the Intergovernmental Conference of the European Union with Montenegro.
Representative of the Media Institute and the Association of Independent Journalists in Montenegro, Mustafa Canka, emphasizes that a stronger legislative framework and harmonization with European standards are necessary to help combat violence against journalists.
“The adoption of the Law would be a step forward towards the freedoms of journalists and freedoms in general in Montenegro. Work has been underway in this direction for years, and this law will enable journalists to work more freely and have greater responsibility for their words,” said Canka.
Due to criticism of hate speech by representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro, the trial of the well-known Montenegrin analyst and intellectual, Boban Batrićević, began in Montenegrin court.
Canka believes that this is an open violation of the right and freedom of expression in a country that aims to be part of the European Union.
“This is a wrong step, an anti-European, anti-democratic step, and I think the High Prosecutor’s Office and the Chief State Prosecutors should reject and dismiss this accusation, as such cannot stand in a democratic state aiming to be part of the EU,” said Canka.
The European Commission and the media opinion in Montenegro have expressed concerns about changes to the law on the Radio Television of Montenegro, proposed earlier by the Government. Brussels has emphasized that the Government’s proposal was adopted without consulting the public and the European Commission.
Canka points out that Montenegro should avoid any decision that may threaten the independence of the Radio Television of Montenegro.
“The Radio Television of Montenegro is taking visible steps in terms of information and is quite independent in its work. This important media outlet could be influenced by the Government regarding finances, which would be detrimental to editorial policy,” said Canka.
Montenegro faces challenges in adopting a series of media laws such as the law on public radio television and the law on electronic media.
An expert on media issues in Montenegro, Mustafa Canka, said that clear protective measures are needed against any form of undue influence on the editorial, institutional, or financial independence of public broadcasters and other media, which must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional responsibilities.
