OSCE Head of Mission meets Montenegrin Police Director to discuss arson attacks against newspaper Vijesti, regional co-operation to fight crime

The OSCE Head of Mission, Ambassador Šarunas Adomavičius, met the Director of Montenegro's police, Veselin Veljovic, on 6 September 2011 to discuss the continuing police investigation into the three arson attacks on vehicles owned by daily newspaper Vijesti on 14 and 23 July and on 27 August.

Adomavičius highlighted the recent statements by the Mission and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, who condemned the attacks as having a ''chilling effect'' on the work of journalists in Podgorica. He also noted that a number of OSCE participating States had also expressed concern.

Adomavičius emphasized the need for the investigation to show results, adding that bringing the perpetrators to justice was important to send a clear message that such criminal attacks on the media would not be tolerated.

The issue of organized crime and corruption was also discussed. As a follow up to the Budva Declaration, endorsed in March, Adomavičius proposed organizing a regional event with experts representing joint investigation teams, who would share experiences and further strengthen co-ordination of efforts in this field throughout the region.  

Adomavičius invited the Director to clarify the status of the National Co-ordination Unit in the police service, whose purpose is to co-ordinate the work of key law enforcement agencies. He encouraged steps be taken toward it becoming operational in order to more effectively combat serious and common crime.