BREAKING: Montenegro is now classified as being in a serious risk zone for journalists, following alarming reports of escalating violence and threats against media professionals. The latest data from the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) reveals a shocking 300% increase in media freedom violations in 2025 compared to the previous year, underscoring a dire situation for press freedoms in the region.
In just the first quarter of 2025, Montenegro recorded 20 cases of media violations impacting 32 journalists and media entities. This is a stark rise from only six cases reported in 2024. The most common violations included 17 verbal attacks, alongside physical violence and threats, highlighting a troubling trend of hostility towards those in the media.
The MFRR report emphasizes that half of the documented violations—10 cases—were related to intimidation and threats, including five particularly alarming death threats. Many of these threats were made via social media, predominantly by private individuals.
Specific incidents include threats against Televizija E journalist Itani Kaluđerović, who was warned to “watch out for the bullet,” and Jelena Jovanovic, an investigative journalist for Vijesti, who faced renewed death threats related to her reporting on corruption and organized crime. Such threats are indicative of a broader pattern targeting those who expose criminal activities and governmental abuses of power.
In a particularly harrowing incident in August, photojournalists Boris Pejovic and Stevo Vasiljevic were attacked while covering the illegal removal of a memorial linked to a war criminal. They encountered both verbal and physical threats, with Vasiljevic sustaining injuries and damage to his equipment during the assault.
The MFRR report also notes five cases of targeted discrediting campaigns against three journalists and two media outlets. A notable example involves Dragana Šćepanović, a journalist for Vijesti, who has faced defamation attacks from the Aktuelno portal, owned by a businessman she reported on. A recent court ruling affirmed that Aktuelno’s campaign against her constituted a systematic effort to undermine her credibility.
Moreover, the report highlights political figures engaging in verbal assaults against the media. Officials from the Democratic Party of Montenegro publicly branded several media outlets, including Televizija E, as “corrupt servants and protectors of the mafia,” further escalating the hostile environment for journalists.
Increasing concerns have arisen regarding the treatment of journalists by government bodies. In September, Bojana Dabovic of Antena M was denied accreditation to a press conference, raising alarms about discriminatory practices by the Ministry of Defense.
The MFRR findings align with data from the SafeJournalists network, which reported a staggering 28 attacks, threats, and pressures against journalists in Montenegro in 2025, the highest number recorded to date. At least nine of these cases involved explicit threats to life and physical safety, with many attacks stemming from high-ranking officials.
The European Commission has echoed these concerns, noting that while Montenegro’s legal framework for media freedom aligns with European standards, the practical enforcement remains severely lacking. The Commission warns that the hostile rhetoric from public officials contributes to a climate of fear, discouraging reporters from pursuing their work.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the urgent call for immediate, thorough, and independent investigations into all threats and acts of violence against journalists becomes more critical. The MFRR, SafeJournalists, and the European Commission collectively signal a pressing need for action to safeguard media freedom in Montenegro.
The rising tide of violence and intimidation against journalists is not just a statistic; it reflects a chilling reality for those committed to upholding the truth. With the stakes higher than ever, the international community must take heed and advocate for the protection of press freedoms in Montenegro.
