The SafeJournalists Network strongly condemns the death threats made against Vijesti journalist Jelena Jovanović, which represent a serious attempt to intimidate not only her but also the broader journalistic community in Montenegro. 

On April 13, 2025, Jovanović reported to the police a death threat she had received the day before. The threat was made by a woman who introduced herself as Milica Ćuk. The caller first reached out to Vijesti’s editorial desk, claiming to be the sister of Milovan Ćuk, a Serbian citizen who had been expelled from Montenegro. The woman stated that “if anyone’s head flies off (because of the article), it will be the head of the author.” She then followed up with the same threat in an email, further demonstrating the persistence and malicious intent behind her actions.

The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM) said that this disturbing incident is a clear indication of the increasing pressures journalists face in the region and underscores the urgent need for decisive action by national authorities to ensure the safety of media professionals.These kinds of threats must never become a normal or acceptable way of dealing with journalists. The safety of media professionals must be guaranteed, and authorities must send a clear message that attacks on journalists will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The SafeJournalists Network, a regional coalition committed to defending the rights of journalists, fully supports the condemnation of these threats and calls for immediate action from national authorities. The Network urges the Montenegrin authorities to promptly investigate this case and ensure that those responsible for threatening Jovanović are held accountable.

The SafeJournalists Network will inform both national and international stakeholders about these troubling developments.

Any attack on journalists is an attack on democracy, public interest, and fundamental human rights.

Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica, April 14, 2025

Association of Journalists of Kosovo

Association of Journalists of Macedonia

BH Journalists Association

Croatian Journalists’ Association

Independent Journalists Association of Serbia

Trade Union of Media of Montenegro

The source: IJAS

Photo by: Canva