The Studies of Gender at the University of Montenegro has strongly condemned the violent disclosure of personal details regarding journalist Mirjana Pajković. This incident raises serious concerns about the violation of human rights, dignity, and safety for women in both public and digital spaces.
In a statement, the organization expressed their outrage at the attacks and threats directed at fellow journalist Jelena Jovanović, emphasizing that such actions are a blatant infringement on the rights of individuals, particularly women. The group categorically stated that the misuse of Pajković‘s privacy is not a “scandal,” but rather an act of gender-based violence, where a woman’s intimacy is exploited as a means of public discrediting and societal stigmatization.
The statement highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of women’s bodies to political and social retribution. They noted the alarming nature of the attacks on Jovanović, who continues to perform her duties professionally despite facing intimidation.
“The attacks on her do not represent freedom of speech but are attempts to silence her and undermine the public’s right to information,” the statement read. The Studies of Gender further emphasized that female journalists covering sensitive topics are particularly susceptible to gender-motivated violence due to their professional integrity.
The group reminded the public that the right to privacy and protection from gender-based violence is guaranteed under international conventions, including the European Convention on Human Rights and the Istanbul Convention. They called for the immediate removal of any content illegally infringing on individual privacy, institutional protection for victims of digital and gender-based violence, and a clear condemnation of attacks on journalists by relevant authorities.
“This is not about ‘affairs’; it is about violence. It is not a matter of private stories but a public responsibility to defend fundamental human rights,” the statement concluded. The strong stance taken by the University of Montenegro underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals, particularly women, in the face of growing challenges in both the media and society at large.
