Improving freedom of media and journalist safety requires to resolve cases of attacks on journalist, says Head of OSCE Mission to Montenegro Waag

On 11 July 2022, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro, Dominique Waag, met with Mihailo Jovović, President of the Commission for Monitoring the Actions of Competent Authorities in Investigations of Cases of Threats and Violence against Journalists, Murders of Journalists and Attacks on Media Property.

As part of the OSCE’s commitment to freedom media, shared by all participating States, safety of journalists is an important component, related to the well-functioning of a democracy, which is why the Mission is interested in the work and mandate of the Commission, as well as what kind of support it can provide.

Ambassador Waag praised the role of the President of the Commission and said she appreciates the Commission’s role in reporting to the government and working with institutions to jointly solve cases of attacks on journalists. “Joint efforts by the Commission with institutions is critical in making progress. The Mission is willing to help and, within its mandate, support the Commission, as without safety of investigative journalists, there is neither free or critical thought,” said Ambassador Waag.

Jovović thanked for the interest in the Commission’s work and the opportunity to share his impressions about the challenges it faces, as well as its plans. “Possibilities for co-operation between the Commission and the Mission within its competences and plans will be welcome,” said Jovović.

The Mission will remain ready to support the Commission through strengthening its capacities to deliver on its mandate.