Decade after murder of Montenegrin journalist impunity still prevails, says OSCE media freedom representative
STOCKHOLM, 27 May 2014 - On the tenth anniversary of the murder of Montenegrin journalist Duško Jovanović, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović urged the authorities to put an end to impunity.
Jovanović, editor-in-chief and owner of the daily Dan and known for his critical reporting, was shot and killed leaving his office in Podgorica on 27 May 2004. Prior to his death Jovanović received numerous death threats.
“Acts of violence against members of the media not only threaten the victims themselves, but they also have a direct impact on media freedom in the country,” Mijatović said.
In the Jovanović case, Damir Mandić was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment as an accomplice to the crime, but he remains the only perpetrator convicted. The masterminds of the murder are still at large.
“I urge the authorities to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation to identify those behind the crime, and bring them to justice,” Mijatović said.
In December 2013, the Montenegrin government established under the auspices of the Interior Ministry a Special Commission for Monitoring the Investigations of Cases of Attacks on Journalists.
"I welcome the establishment of this commission and hope that it will yield results. I will continue to monitor the case of Jovanović and all other cases in OSCE countries where journalists have been killed in relation to their work,” Mijatović said.
In December last year Mijatović’s office launched a global campaign to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists. More information on the global campaign to end impunity is available at //www.osce.org/fom/109729.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, is attending the Stockholm Internet Forum.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on facebook.com/osce.rfom.