MDI has joined more than 40 organisations in a joint statement condemning the criminal complaint filed against investigative journalists Andrea Perišić and Đurđa Radulović of the Centre for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro (CIN-CG).
The journalists face criminal proceedings over an article examining recruitment practices at Montenegro’s National Security Agency, after the agency’s Director alleged it disclosed classified information. They were reportedly asked to reveal their confidential sources during questioning, a direct threat to a fundamental principle of press freedom.
Details of the letter
We are deeply concerned by this attempt to criminalise investigative journalism. Criminal proceedings against journalists for reporting on matters of public interest pose a serious threat to media freedom and risk creating a chilling effect that discourages investigative reporting and deters sources from exposing wrongdoing.
The reported attempt to compel journalists to disclose their confidential sources is equally alarming. The protection of journalistic sources is a fundamental principle of press freedom, guaranteed under Montenegrin legislation. Without effective source protection, investigative journalism cannot fulfil its essential democratic role of holding those in power accountable.
Investigative journalism plays an indispensable role in every democratic society. Journalists must be free to investigate matters of public concern without fear of criminal prosecution, intimidation, or retaliation. Public officials and institutions, particularly those exercising significant state powers, should respond to scrutiny through transparency and accountability—not through legal actions that risk undermining media freedom.
The signatories call on:
- The competent prosecutorial and judicial authorities of Montenegro to handle this case strictly in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Montenegro, as well as Montenegro’s obligations under international standards protecting freedom of expression and media freedom.
- The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, the Government of Montenegro, and the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, to react and protect the journalists, uphold the right of journalists to protect their confidential sources, safeguard press freedom, and ensure that no investigative journalist is subjected to intimidation, retaliation, or criminal sanctions for reporting on matters of legitimate public interest.
You can read the full letter here.
