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DPM Pažin: Zero tolerance to violence against jour...
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DPM Pažin: Zero tolerance to violence against journalists is most important condition of media freedom
Published on: Sep 13, 2019 • 3:56 AM Author: PR Service
Montenegrin society and other Western Balkan societies owe their media much more than the freedom of journalists to report on any topic, Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin said at a reception h hosted for participants of the EU-Western Balkans Media Days conference.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that in order to fully affirm media freedoms, there must first be an environment of zero tolerance for violence against journalists, followed by a decent socio-economic position of journalists and a fair market in the media industry.
He stressed that Montenegro has made serious efforts to ensure the highest level of security for journalists. "We have made significant progress in that regard. Today, our institutions are much more capable of preventing, investigating and punishing any form of violence against journalists. This can be seen from recent investigations, indictments and convictions against those responsible for violence against journalists." He also added that the Montenegrin institutions have been working with the media community and civil society to investigate unresolved cases of violence against journalists from the previous period. "This is very important, not only to bring justice to the victims, but also to send a clear message that the State will do its best to identify and punish those responsible for crimes against journalists."
The Deputy Prime Minister underscored that the Government of Montenegro has initiated a comprehensive reform of media laws in order to further improve the legislative environment for free and professional media. "We work with representatives of the media, civil society and academia, relying on the expertise of international partners, to incorporate into our legislation the highest European standards of freedom and professionalism in the media," DPM Pažin explained.
Finally, he added, through new media laws, the Government is seeking to introduce a fund to support media pluralism and self-regulation, but also to improve the transparency of all forms of public financing of independent media.
Deputy Prime Minister Pažin reiterated that the citizens of the Western Balkans have been convinced throughout history that the media has the power to shape and protect social values, but also the power to incite hatred and destruction.
“Therefore, the free media also have a great responsibility to keep the public interest in mind when informing, educating and entertaining our citizens. This can only be achieved through strict adherence to ethical and professional standards of journalism, a decent socio-economic position of journalists and protection of their professional and moral integrity," he stressed.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the EU-Western Balkans Media Days conference, taking place in Montenegro for the first time this year, is a good opportunity to discuss mechanisms of regional cooperation that would enhance media freedom and professionalism in the Western Balkans.
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
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