DPM Bečić congratulates 23 January - Day of Journalists of Montenegro

Dear journalists of Montenegro, on behalf of the Government of Montenegro and personally, with respect and gratitude, I extend my congratulations on 23 January - Day of Journalists of Montenegro. This day is not only an occasion to celebrate your professional contribution but also to deeply reflect on the importance and strength of your calling.

Today, we remember and express gratitude to the brave guardians of truth, the fearless fighters for justice, who stand daily on the front lines defending freedom of expression. You bear the heavy burden, facing pressures and dangers, often subjected to attacks due to your dedication to investigative journalism and exposing the connections between the authorities and organized crime and corruption in our country.

We particularly remember Duško Jovanović, a prominent journalist whose death remains an open wound in our democracy. His tragic death reminds us of the necessity to continuously fight for the protection and safety of journalists. We work daily to uncover all the details of this and similar cases, seeking justice and preventing such events in the future.

We must not forget journalists who have suffered attacks, beatings, threats, and the destruction of their property and media houses. Each of these cases is an attack not only on individuals but also on the very foundation of our freedom of expression and democratic values.

Journalism is not just a profession but a pillar of democracy, essential for promoting freedom of thought and speech, crucial for building a healthy and democratic society. Your role in informing the public must be guided by impartiality, responsibility, and timely reporting, and must not be misused for political manipulation or the spread of hate speech.

Therefore, I want to extend sincere congratulations to each of you, journalists of Montenegro. May your work be guided by professional standards, credibility, and social responsibility, preserving and strengthening the trust of citizens.

Happy Day of Journalists of Montenegro.

Aleksa Bečić, Deputy Prime Minister for Security, Internal Policy, European and Foreign Affairs