Montenegro: CFWIJ Concerned About The Threats Received By Journalist Milka Tadic-Mijovic
Location: Montenegro, Podgorica
Date: August 31, 2021
Journalist Milka Tadić-Mijović was approached by former boxer Boško Filipović in a parking lot outside Petrovac supermarket. Filipović abused and threatened Milka for several minutes, during which time, the journalist was seriously concerned about her safety. He levelled accusations at her colleague and the nature of her work. The incident was taken up by state authorities and Filipović has been arrested since.
The incident took place at 8.00 pm. Journalist and director of the Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro Milka Tadić-Mijović was in her car when she was approached by the former boxer, who upon recognizing her verbally attacked her. He called Milka and her colleagues “scammers” while also threatening reporters from the daily newspaper Vijesti. The violent nature of the incident took the journalist by surprise who feared for her safety, especially since Milka is a well-known critic of the government and works as a foreign correspondent.
A report was submitted against Boško Filipović’s actions and the response was swift. The State Secretary at the Ministry of the Interior and Deputy Commissioner for Monitoring the Actions of Competent Authorities in Investigations of Cases of Threats and Violence against Journalists, Zoran Miljanic, looked into the case personally. He believes that the reason for the attack was the nature of Milka’s work. Subsequently, the case was forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to be processed further. Filipović was soon arrested in Budva. He has a previous record of violent criminal activity. According to Kotor Public Prosecutor, Andja Radovanovic, he can face charges of “endangering security" under Article 168 of the Criminal Code.
Civil rights groups and journalist unions came out in support of Milka. The Trade Union of Media of Montenegro issued a statement claiming, “This attack is another of the many indicators of the environment in which Montenegrin journalists work, especially those who deal with investigative journalism.”
Action for Human Rights added that, "This attack is especially disturbing because Milka Tadić Mijović is a symbol of investigative journalism and exposing high corruption and crime in Montenegro. The death threats addressed to her and all Vijesti journalists yesterday must be punished efficiently and seriously.”
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is relieved to see the swift action that was taken in response to the complaint registered against the attack. It is important for states to protect and back their journalists in order to encourage democratic ideals in its socio-political fabric. Milka Tadić-Mijović’s safety should be of utmost priority to those working on the case.
The CFWIJ strongly condemns the police brutality against journalists. We demand the immediate return of the press cards seized from the security forces. Policies to intimidate journalists should be abandoned, and journalism should be practiced under the criteria of freedom of the press.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.