Montenegro has taken an important step toward improving media safety with the signing of a protocol establishing the Mechanism for the Safety of Journalists. The initiative brings together representatives of the media, the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office, the Trade Union of Media (SMCG), and the Ministries of Justice, Interior, and Culture and Media. The signing took place at the conference “How to Improve the Safety of Media Workers.”

The document was also signed by representatives of Radio Television of Montenegro, Vijesti, Portal Analitika, Monitor, and the Association of Local Public Broadcasters. The list of media signatories is not final. As noted at the conference, the SMCG remains open to all media organisations wishing to contribute to the development and strengthening of the Mechanism.

According to the statement issued at the event, the protocol aims to establish a coordinated system to enhance the safety of journalists, ensure effective protection, and enable a timely response to incidents and attacks on journalists and media outlets.

According to the President of the Trade Union of Media (SMCG) Radomir Kračković, the creation of the Mechanism demonstrates Montenegro’s commitment to its European integration path and could assist in meeting certain closing benchmarks within the EU accession process. He clarified that the establishment of this body will not replace or duplicate the responsibilities of existing institutions such as the police and prosecution. Instead, it will serve to connect them more efficiently, ensuring faster and more coordinated reactions to any attacks on journalists.

The Mechanism will include a 24-hour hotline for reporting incidents, direct contact points within the police and prosecution, and the provision of legal and psychological assistance to journalists who have been attacked. It will also produce regular reports on the number of attacks, the progress of investigations, and develop guidelines for journalists working in high-risk environments.

Additionally, training sessions for police and judicial officers will be organized to strengthen institutional responses and improve the handling of cases involving threats or violence against media professionals.

More info on this: Protocol on the Protection of Journalists Signed – A Step Toward Establishing the Mechanism for the Safety of Media Workers - Trade Union of Media of Montenegro