OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned about brief detention of journalist while covering public protest in Montenegro

VIENNA, 14 May 2020 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, expressed his concern today following the brief detention of a journalist who was covering protests in the city of Nikšić, in Montenegro.

Last night, the police detained Serbian Večernje Novosti correspondent Veliša Kadić, while he was covering protests that erupted after the arrest of Serbian Orthodox Church Bishop Joanikije of Nikšić and several other priests. According to media reports, police sprayed pepper spray in Kadić’s eyes and deleted footage from his phone. The police released Kadić after he provided a statement at a Security Centre.

“I am concerned by the brief detention of journalist Veliša Kadić while covering a protest in Nikšić. Journalists must be able to report freely and unhindered on demonstrations. There must be no restriction or obstruction on the work of the media reporting on events of public interest,” Désir said. The Representative called on the authorities in Montenegro to investigate the case.

The Representative recalled the “Special Report on Handling of the Media during Political Demonstrations: Observations and Recommendations” published by his Office, which among others, emphasizes that “law-enforcement officials have a constitutional responsibility not to prevent or obstruct the work of journalists during public demonstrations, and journalists have a right to expect fair and restrained treatment by the police.”

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. He provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and at www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.