22
Mar 2019
Lvl. 1
State replied
Alert created on: 09 May 2018
Montenegro
Vijesti Investigative Journalist Olivera Lakić Shot and Injured
Source of threatUnknown
CategoryAttacks on physical safety and integrity of journalists
Investigative journalist Olivera Lakić who works for Montenegro based newspaper Vijesti was shot outside her home on 8 May 2018 around 9 pm in Podgorica by an unidentified gunman. Ms Lakić was injured in the right leg and sent to the hospital where her condition is described as stable.
Olivera Lakić is known for investigating crime and corruption in Montenegro. This attack is the second attack on the journalist after an earlier incident in 2012 when she was punched in the head multiple times following her reports on alleged illegal dealings involving a tobacco factory. The perpetrator was sentenced to jail and Olivera Lakic was put under police protection for a while.
Olivera Lakić is known for investigating crime and corruption in Montenegro. This attack is the second attack on the journalist after an earlier incident in 2012 when she was punched in the head multiple times following her reports on alleged illegal dealings involving a tobacco factory. The perpetrator was sentenced to jail and Olivera Lakic was put under police protection for a while.
Updates
20 Feb 2019
On 19 February 2019, Montenegrin police announced that they have arrested nine members of a criminal organisation who are suspected of shooting Olivera Lakić in 2018.
Additional Information
- Letter of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Report published on the Mapping Media Freedom platform: "Montenegro: Investigative journalist shot in the leg"
- Statement : "RSF decries threats to investigative journalism in Montenegro"
- Statement by EFJ and IFJ: "Montenegrin investigative journalist Olivera Lakić shot and injured"
- Article published by the Guardian : "Investigative journalist shot and injured in Montenegro "
- Statement by the Trade Union of Media of Montenegro (TUMM): "With dishonorable shot Olivera Lakic was sent a message to stop writing"
State replies
22 Mar 2019
Reply from the Government of Montenegro
24 Sep 2018
Reply from the Government of Montenegro
28 Aug 2018
Reply from the Government of Montenegro
Follow-ups
09 May 2018
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the repeated assault on Olivera Lakić, investigative journalist at the daily Vijesti.
09 May 2018
CoE Secretary General shocked over the attack on investigative journalist in Montenegro
09 May 2018
OSCE Representative Désir strongly condemns shooting of journalist Olivera Lakić in Podgorica, call on authorities to bring perpetrators to justice