OSCE media freedom representative condemns attack against Montenegrin journalist, calls for swift investigation

VIENNA, 12 August  2013 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today condemned an attack on Tufik Softić,  a journalist with the daily newspaper Vijesti and the weekly Monitor and called on the authorities to provide protection for the journalist, and carry out a swift and thorough investigation.

According to media reports, an explosive device was activated in front of Softić’s house on the evening of 11 August. This is not the first time the journalist has been targeted: in November 2007, Softić also was the victim of a brutal attack near his home. The assailants were not found.

“Under the circumstances, I urge the authorities to immediately provide Softić with protection to ensure his safety,” Mijatović said in a letter to Igor Lukšić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration and Raško Konjević, Minister of the Interior. “Attacks against journalists endanger media freedom and represent a clear assault on free expression in the country.” 

"I also call on the authorities to do their utmost to ensure the safety of all media representatives and bring the perpetrators of this act to justice,” she said.

Previously, Mijatović repeatedly raised concern over similar attacks on Montenegrin journalists.

“This is yet another case of violence and intimidation against journalists in Montenegro, many of which have not resulted in prosecutions or convictions. These acts have to be treated as attacks against the society as a whole and a thorough investigation is required to ensure that media freedom is protected,” Mijatović said.