Podgorica, (MINA) – Sixteen attacks on journalists were recorded in Montenegro last year, vice-president of the Media Trade Union of Montenegro (SMCG) Marijana Camovic Velickovic has said.

Presenting the report “Press Freedom Level Indicators and Journalist Safety Index 2023”, she said that the Police Administration recorded 11 attacks on journalists, adding that the situation from the previous years had been repeated with SMCG registering more cases than officially reported.

She said that six cases of threats were recorded last year.

Camovic Velickovic stated that, in the Western Balkan Journalist Safety Index for last year, Montenegro saw a slight drop in results compared to the previous year, from 3.35 to 3.33.

She stated that in 2023, 25 cases were initiated in basic courts in Montenegro against media outlets for violation of honor and reputation.

“Out of that number, at least six lawsuits were filed by the media outlets against other outlets, while there were no high-ranking politicians and businessmen among the plaintiffs”, added Camovic Velickovic.

She said that the most serious cases of attacks on journalists remained unresolved, with strong indications that the motives were political in nature.

Speaking about the Public Broadcaster, Camovic Velickovic said that the situation at the Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG) was problematic for several reasons, since the new management took over in August 2021.