After Bogdanović’s Statements, the EU Warns: Unacceptable Accusations Against the Media

SOURCE: E TV – AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS

The Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro told the ETV Portal that accusations against the media are unacceptable. This was stated in their response to the portal’s inquiry regarding the statements made by the head of the Democratic Party Parliamentary Club, Boris Bogdanović, who publicly targeted journalists from Television E, M Portal, and Portal Analitika.

The EU Delegation reminds that freedom of expression is one of the fundamental values on which the European Union is based, and that it is a key element in Montenegro’s EU accession process.

— The competent authorities of Montenegro should refrain from any actions that could disproportionately restrict freedom of expression, including harsh public criticism and accusations against the media. Instead, domestic institutions should respond to potential violations of the law solely in accordance with national legislation and in the spirit of international and European standards — the EU Delegation stated.

The European Union calls on all political actors to contribute to creating an environment in which the media can freely do their job, without pressure or stigmatization, emphasizing that this is a prerequisite for democratic dialogue and a sustainable society.

Such messages from Brussels come at a time when Montenegro is under increased scrutiny by European institutions regarding the state of media freedom and the overall rule of law.