Podgorica, (MINA) – The Human Rights and Freedoms Protector has condemned the harassment and threats directed at journalist Magdalena Celanovic, stating that such actions deepen the atmosphere of fear and may lead to self-censorship.

The Ombudsman institution expressed concern over the frequent online targeting of women from the Montenegrin public scene.

“The Human Rights and Freedoms Protector condemns the latest case of harassment and threats against Gradska TV journalist Magdalena Celanovic, which involved an extremely insulting, sexist and discriminatory narrative”, the announcement states.

It is added that such behavior by doctors is not only unacceptable on both a personal and professional level, but also constitutes a violation of basic human rights, including the right to dignity, safety and freedom of expression.

As it is pointed out, such messages have negative impact on other women and can discourage them from actively participating in public life.

The Ombudsman reminded that when qualifying a misdemeanor, the relevant provisions of the Law on the Prohibition of Discrimination should also be taken into account, noting that the law defines hate speech as a special form of discrimination.