Montenegro: Marija Radović and Crew Barred from Broadcasting at Tološka Šume Forest
TV Vijesti crew told only journalists from one media outlet allowed access
Location: Montenegro, PodgoricaDate: March 14, 2024
Women Press Freedom firmly stands in support of journalists Marija Radović and the crew of TV Vijesti in the face of the unwarranted restrictions imposed on their journalistic freedom in Tološka Šume forest, Montenegro. It is essential to underscore that access to public spaces for reporting is a fundamental right that should be upheld without bias or unjust exclusion. The decision to allow only one media outlet exclusive reporting rights not only contravenes the principles of press freedom but also undermines the diversity of voices that is essential for a healthy democracy. We, however, welcome the announcement from the Podgorica mayor’s office who denounced the restrictions placed on TV Vijesti and called for unfettered access for all media to the public park.
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On March 14, 2024, journalist Marija Radović and her cameraman from TV Vijesti were obstructed while attempting to broadcast live from the Tološka Šume forest in Podgorica.
The TV crew intended to report on the new track and outdoor gym in the forest, which was funded by the women's basketball club Budućnost Bemax.
Radović says they were prevented from broadcasting by security personnel on site, who told them that only Television “E” (TV E) journalists were permitted on site. The basketball team Budućnost Bemax has a public association with the TV E media outlet.
In response, the Deputy Mayor of Podgorica, Luka Rakčević, intervened by informing the basketball club that their employees do not possess the authority to restrict access for television crews or any media representatives to public areas within the Tološi park forest. The Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica has also initiated an investigation into the incident.
Women Press Freedom condemns the obstruction Marija Radović and her TV crew faced: an attempt at media censorship or bias. By limiting access exclusively to journalists affiliated with TV E, an outlet associated with Budućnost Bemax, the basketball club could appear to be controlling the narrative and potentially suppressing dissenting viewpoints or critical reporting. In this instance, Deputy Mayor Luka Rakčević's swift response and the initiation of proceedings by the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office are positive steps toward addressing the violation of press freedom. We call on Montenegrin authorities to continue reinforcing mechanisms that protect journalists' rights and prevent future censorship or intimidation.
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