Montenegro’s top officials pledge unwavering efforts to discover organisers of attack on journalist

Podgorica, Montenegro (14 March 2012) – Top government, law enforcement, and judicial officials met yesterday at Prime Minister Igor Lukšić’s initiative to affirm Montenegro’s commitment to ensuring full respect for freedom of speech and protection of free journalism.

They welcomed the recent arrest of a suspected attacker on Vijesti journalist Olivera Lakić  and underlined that the investigation will continue with unwavering resolve towards discovering the organisers behind the attack.

The arrest sends a clear message that Montenegro has firm political will and institutions ready to protect and promote media freedom, the meeting between Justice Minister Duško Marković, Supreme Public Prosecutor Ranka Čarapić, Interior Minister Ivan Brajović, Special Public Prosecutor Đurđina Ivanović and Police Director Božidar Ivanović concluded yesterday, and the officials underlined the institutions’ firm resolve to uncover all cases of attacks against the media.

The meeting concluded that the authorities will continue the work towards building up a safe environment for journalists, and they noted that the Police and the Prosecutor’s office will make the cases of attacks against journalists their top priorities.