OSCE condemns attempt to intimidate independent media in Montenegro

VIENNA/PODGORICA, 15 July 2011 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, and Šarūnas Adomavičius, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro today condemned the deliberate burning by unknown perpetrators of two vehicles belonging to the Montenegrin daily “Vijesti”.

During the night of 13 to 14 July, two delivery vehicles were set on fire in front of the newspaper’s office in Podgorica.

“I am concerned about this attack against an independent newspaper. Ensuring the safety of media and journalists is a core OSCE commitment and essential for a healthy and stable society”, Mijatović said.

Adomavičius called upon the law enforcement authorities to fully investigate the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

They welcomed the swift reaction by the highest authorities of Montenegro who strongly condemned the attack.