Government strongly condemns attack on director, actor and journalist in Podgorica

Podgorica, Montenegro (10 September 2012) -- Danilo Marunović, director and author of the video “We are part of the team”, which promotes LGBT rights, and actor in the video Todor Vujošević, along with a journalist of the Radio and Television of Montenegro, were beaten in Podgorica late last night, by a group of football fans so-called “Barbarians”.

The Government of Montenegro strongly condemns this act of vandalism, Jovan Kojičić, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Human Rights and Protection from Discrimination, said. Violence and hate crimes must be ended as well as any form of discrimination, including the discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, he added.

The Montenegrin Government has been undoubtedly committed to the respect for universal human rights, the fight against all forms of discrimination and to creating a tolerant society that guarantees and promotes rights, respects dignity and personal integrity of every citizen, regardless any personal characteristics, Adviser Kojičić emphasised.

The Government is determined to implement policies which will not allow anyone in Montenegro to live in fear and be "invisible". The authorities are expected to solve the case quickly and efficiently and punish the perpetrators in accordance with the law, Prime Minister's Adviser concluded.