Three individuals, Dušan Petrić, Drago Labović, and Vuko Došljak, were acquitted of charges related to the alleged assault and threats against journalists during a public event in Gornji Zaostrog, Montenegro. The incident occurred on August 8, 2022, when the journalists were covering the unveiling of a monument dedicated to Pavle Đurišić, a controversial figure linked to historical conflicts in the region.
The Higher Court for Misdemeanors of Montenegro upheld the decision of the lower court, which found insufficient evidence to support the accusations against the three defendants. The court ruled that the journalists, including Stevo Vasiljević, Boris Pejović, and Balša Rudović, could not definitively identify the defendants as those who had engaged in inappropriate behavior during the event.
During the proceedings, the court acknowledged that the journalists faced insults, threats, and physical confrontations while performing their duties. Despite this, the initial ruling led to the acquittal of Petrić and Labović, who were accused of threatening Pejović. The presiding judge, Petar Varagić, accepted the defense that the journalists did not recognize these individuals as aggressors during cross-examination.
Došljak was also acquitted of physical assault charges, although witnesses confirmed he was part of a group that surrounded the journalists. The court determined that there was not enough evidence to establish that he physically attacked the journalists as alleged. The judges noted that while Došljak had taken a phone from Vasiljević, this action did not amount to physical assault, as there was no direct bodily contact involved.
Following this ruling, the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Berane filed an appeal. Prosecutors argued that the court had committed significant procedural violations and maintained that the witnesses had clearly stated that the defendants physically and verbally assaulted them in a coordinated manner.
However, the Higher Court dismissed this appeal, citing that the testimonies provided by the journalists did not substantiate the claims made in the prosecution’s request for misdemeanor proceedings. The court emphasized that the evidence presented did not lead to a definitive conclusion regarding the guilt of the accused.
The ruling also addressed the actions of two minors involved in the incident. The court confirmed that the minors, aged 15 and 17, had committed a violation by verbally abusing Pejović, calling him derogatory names, and attempting to remove images from his phone. They were subjected to a measure of enhanced parental supervision for a period of one to six months.
In determining the appropriate sanction for the minors, the court considered reports from the Centre for Social Work covering the municipalities of Berane, Andrijevica, and Petnjica. The judges concluded that there were no aggravating circumstances and that the supervision measure was adequate to achieve the goals of education, protection, and increased responsibility for the minors.
Defense attorneys for the minors contended that the court did not adequately justify the imposed measures and did not explore lighter alternatives. Nonetheless, the Higher Court affirmed that the initial court had appropriately evaluated all relevant circumstances and did not violate the principle of proportionality in sanctioning.
Journalists Balša Pejović and Balša Radović have been directed to pursue civil proceedings for potential damages. In contrast, Stevo Vasiljević has not filed a similar claim.
