OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media meets with Ambassador of Montenegro

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFoM), Teresa Ribeiro, met on 10 February 2021, with Ambassador Veselin Šuković to discuss the media freedom developments in Montenegro and areas in which the RFoM’s institution can provide assistance. 

Ribeiro and Šuković discussed issues like the safety of journalists, including the need for an independent and properly funded public service broadcaster as well as unresolved old cases of physical attacks against journalists, the necessity for swift and effective processing of such cases by the judiciary. Ribeiro announced that she would follow-up on specific cases of concern.

Ribeiro stressed that the safety of journalists will be a focus of her work. In this regard, she welcomed the assurance of the Montenegrin government to implement fully the OSCE commitments as outlined in the OSCE 2018 Ministerial Council Decision on Safety of Journalists.

Ambassador Šuković noted that legislative reforms related to the media are underway, specifically in relation to the Law on Audio and Audio-visual Media Services and the Law on National Public Broadcasting Radio-Television of Montenegro (RTCG). As part of media reforms in the country, Ambassador Šuković announced the development of a media strategy. Ribeiro welcomed these important initiatives, and offered her Office’s assistance in providing expert recommendations, to avoid any possible contradictions and to ensure a free and pluralistic media environment.

Ribeiro and Šuković also discussed the regional South East Europe Media Conference, organized annually by the RFoM’s Office. They agreed to engage in further discussions about the 2021 event, including a possible visit of the RFoM to Montenegro.

The strategic role of the OSCE field missions in the promotion and advancement of media freedom and freedom of expression in Montenegro and in the region was underlined, with Ribeiro and Ambassador Šuković agreeing that mutual co-operation and regular dialogue is essential to achieve positive results on the ground.