Montenegro’s PM Lukšić strongly condemns attack on journalist, demands prompt police action

Podgorica, Montenegro (9 March 2012) – Regarding the brutal attack on daily Vijesti’s journalist Olivera Lakić outside her residence in the capital of Podgorica late on Wednesday, Prime Minister Igor Lukšić has visited Vijesti’s editorial office and strongly condemned the attack demanding that the police take swift and thorough action to find the perpetrators as soon as possible.

PM Lukšić said that it is necessary to investigate with all available resources and in the shortest time possible this and other instances of violence against journalists, noting that “journalists must be free to express their views, free to do investigative journalism, free to play their essential role in a democratic society, which is to perform checks on certain activities in a society.”

Chief of Police Božidar Vuksanović said that the investigation is ongoing, that the full police team is on the ground and that the investigation will intensify in the evening and night hours. He added that the police have some information and that the investigation is undertaken in several directions, but noted that it is still early to give an estimate on progress and asked for patience while current actions and checks are being taken.

PM Lukšić underlined that what happened to Ms Lakić is intolerable and that the Montenegrin society must do away entirely with such negative behaviour. He underlined that he firmly believes, both as the Prime Minister and a citizen, that it is of the utmost importance that the competent institutions act with resolve and efficiency and “employ all powers and competencies to disclose fully all the aspects of this event.” He also noted that it is of no significance whether the attack was an act of an irresponsible individual or an organised group, noting that this instance should become a turning point in showing that Montenegrin institutions are fully determined and capable to tackle such challenges.

He concluded by underlining that the firm action should be undertaken “not for the sake of ticking items off the European agenda, but because we must build, as a society, a system of responsibility for all actions.”