11.03.2024 – SEEMO Condemns Government Officials Actions in Montenegro

In a concerning development for press freedom in Montenegro, recent actions by a government official have raised alarm bells within the journalistic community. The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns Nik Đeljošaj /Nik Gjeloshaj, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development of Montenegro, who tried to discredit a journalist.

The saga began with Đeljošaj /Gjeloshaj making unsubstantiated allegations against journalist Danilo Ajković from Television Vijesti (https://www.vijesti.me/), accusing him of collusion with other individuals to undermine Đeljošaj’s /Gjeloshaj’s reputation. Such baseless accusations pose a threat to the safety and well-being of journalists working in Montenegro.

SEEMO is voicing support for Ajković and expressing solidarity with him in the face of these unwarranted attacks. SEEMO is emphasizing the need for politicians to refrain from interference in the work of journalists and to create an environment conducive to free and independent media.

SEEMO calls for an immediate end to all forms of intimidation and harassment against Ajković. SEEMO is urging the Montenegrin authorities to respect press freedom and protect the safety of media professionals.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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In a recent development, the Office of the Prosecutor in Pristina (Prishtinë), Kosovo, has responded to the public debate surrounding journalist Lirim Mehmetaj, editor-in-chief at Albanian Post (https://albanianpost.com/), revealing that they have acknowledged the ongoing discussions. Additionally, they have confirmed the acceptance of a private criminal complaint against Mehmetaj by the injured party, and assured the public that all actions taken regarding this matter are in line with the pursuit of legal proceedings. Furthermore, it was clarified that the Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office in Pristina, Kosovo, will assess whether there has been any overstepping of legal competencies by the prosecutor handling the case. Meanwhile, the State Prosecutor remains committed to upholding freedom of expression and other human rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws in force.

The controversy stems from Mehmetaj being summoned by the Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Pristina, Kosovo, for questioning as a suspect in the criminal offense of “incitement to discord and impatience,” following a complaint. Mehmetaj was expressing on 5 March 2024 via Facebook his frustration at being accused by a political party. This move has sparked concerns among various subjects, including the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (Asociacionii Gazetarëvetë Kosovës- https://agk-ks.org/en/), which described the summons as alarming for a democratic society.

Moreover, Mehmetaj has accused the authorities of allegedly selectively targeting him while ignoring alleged offenses by others, citing political bias. He alleges that the summoning process was intended to create a spectacle and has questioned the impartiality of the prosecutor’s office.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO), strongly condemns the summons issued to journalist Lirim Mehmetaj by the Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Pristina, Kosovo allegedly for “incitement to discord and impatience.” SEEMO calls on authorities to respect the right to freedom of expression and ensure that journalists can perform their duties without fear of reprisal or harassment. We urge for a transparent and fair legal process, free from political interference.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is alarmed by recent events involving Franjo Šarčević, the editor of the Prometej portal (http://www.prometej.ba/), and calls for the authorities in Sarajevo Canton, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to promptly initiate an investigation and take legal actions against those responsible for the reprehensible threats directed at him.

The sequence of events unfolded following Šarčević’s publication on 2 March 2024, of an opinion piece titled “Another senseless Independence Day,” (Još jedan besmisleni Dan nezavisnosti) in which he critically examined the statements and iconography associated with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Independence Day celebration on 1 March. Moreover, his critique extended to the mayor of Sarajevo, BenjaminaKarić, in response to a photograph depicting her alongside a child clad in a camouflage uniform. You can see the link to the article mentioned here: http://www.prometej.ba/clanak/osvrti/franjo-sarcevic/jos-jedan-besmisleni-dan-nezavisnosti-5902

What ensued was a barrage of threats and organized harassment targeting Šarčević, propagated through social media channels and certain media outlets. The vitriolic responses not only underscored the alarming prevalence of online violence and hate speech but also highlighted a concerning trend of intolerance towards dissenting voices in the public sphere.

This incident is not an isolated occurrence but rather part of a broader pattern of online violence and intimidation targeting Šarčević, underscoring systemic issues within society. The authorities must take swift action to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold the principles of democracy, freedom of expression, and pluralism.

SEEMO condemns the reprehensible threats and hate speech directed at Šarčević, emphasizing the urgent need for the police to address the potential security risks posed to him and his family. This call for action is rooted in Šarčević’s previous encounters with violence, particularly when expressing views contrary to the prevailing political narratives in various regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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During a meeting regarding the protest of Čortanovci, Village in Serbia against the closure of the railway station in this town, Verica Mariničić, a journalist from the local online portal IN Medija (https://inmedija.rs/), was forcibly removed from the premises by the security personnel of the Inđija Municipality, Vojvodina province, Serbia. Video footage captured the moment when Mariničić was escorted out with the explanation that she “was not on the list.” You can see the video-link online: https://n1info.rs/vesti/video-obezbedjenje-opstine-indjija-izbacilo-novinarku-iz-zgrade/

The expulsion of Mariničić from the municipality building has prompted calls for accountability from the authorities responsible for the decision and the security personnel involved. Such blatant mistreatment of journalists not only undermines press freedom but also distances the public from the work of municipal bodies. Mariničić intends to report the incident to the police and has already notified the Independent Journalists Association of Serbia (NezavisnoudruženjenovinaraSrbije -NUNS- https://nuns.rs/) regarding attacks on journalists.

This incident adds to the history of intimidation and harassment faced by Mariničić, dating back to 2019 when she was targeted for her coverage of local issues.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) strongly condemns the forcible expulsion of journalist Verica Mariničić from the Inđija Municipality building. Such actions not only violate press freedom but also undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and transparency. SEEMO calls for a thorough investigation into the incident, urging the authorities to hold accountable those responsible for this egregious act and to ensure the safety and protection of journalists in their pursuit of informing the public.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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On 26 February 2024, serious threats and intimidation were directed towards the team of KALLXO.com (https://kallxo.com/) in a village in Skënderaj / Srbica, Kosovo. Journalist Adelina Ahmeti and cameraman Jetmir Hoxha, while covering the construction of a church in the Upper Klina (Kline e Eperme/Gornja Klina) village in Kosovo, faced severe threats from one individual, a resident of Middle Klina in the Skënderaj municipality. The website KALLXO.com is a BIRN Kosovo and Internews Kosova product.

The issue arose as the KALLXO.com team investigated the recent controversy where a proposal to build a Catholic church has encountered resistance from some residents who claim that the land is privately owned and they do not want to have a church.

Having gathered perspectives from Upper Klina residents, the KALLXO.com team sought to interview this individual regarding the reported obstacles he faced during the church construction. However, upon arriving at his residence on 26 February 2024 they were confronted by his brother, as confirmed by the Skënderaj Police.

This persons hostile behavior included verbal abuse, threats, and obstruction of the journalists’ work. Despite attempts by the team to defuse the situation and continue their duties, he persisted in his aggressive behavior, even issuing threats directed at the journalists’ safety and freedom to report.

Adelina Ahmeti and Jetmir Hoxha reported the incident to the Skënderaj Police Station, prompting an investigation into the matter.

In response to this incident, the South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) stands in solidarity with the journalists of KALLXO.com and calls for swift and thorough action by authorities. Freedom of the press and free reporting is essential for democracy, and any attempt to intimidate or obstruct journalists must be met with the full force of the law.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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The Journalists’ Association of Serbia (Udruženje novinara Srbije – UNS – https://www.uns.org.rs/) has expressed concern over the ongoing refusal of Aleksandar Šapić, the current interim representative of the City Government in Belgrade, Serbia to communicate with journalists representing the Serbian N1 TV (https://n1info.rs/). This persistent stance not only raises significant questions regarding transparency and accountability but also infringes upon the fundamental principles outlined in the Law on Public Information and Media. Šapić recently once again was not answering questions from a N1 TV reporter.

UNS firmly emphasizes that Article 4 of the Law on Public Information and Media explicitly prohibits any form of discrimination against media. The refusal to communicate with journalists from specific media outlets not only undermines the principles of press freedom but also erodes public trust in the democratic processes essential for a functioning society.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) supports the Journalists’ Association of Serbia (UNS) in condemning the refusal of Aleksandar Šapić, to communicate with journalists from N1 TV.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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Belarusian journalist, publicist and activist Igar / Ihar / Igor Lednik (Ігар Леднік), who was detained on 18 April 2022 and was serving a three-year prison sentence for allegedly spreading false information about President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko (Аляксандр Лукашэнка) – according to the Article 367 of the Criminal Code, has passed away behind bars at age of 64 in Mogilev (Магілёў) Belarus, as announced by the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Assembly) – BSDH, (Беларуская сацыял-дэмакратычная партыя (Грамада) – БСДП) on Tuesday 20 February 2024. Lednik’s death occurred at the Minsk (Мінск), Belarus district hospital, with cardiac arrest cited as the official cause. His health had significantly deteriorated during detention, exacerbated by a prior surgery on his gastrointestinal tract and pre-existing heart issues. In June 2022, when he was in prison, his legal representative informed the public that the client’s health had worsened. He was in Mogilev Colony No. 15.

Lednik’s Facebook profile was deemed as “extremist” by the Borisov (Барысаў) District Court in July 2022.

His imprisonment stemmed from accusations of defamation against President Alexander Lukashenko, with Lednik’s critiques of the Belarus-Russia union and Lukashenko’s governance. Initially facing 15 days of house arrest, Lednik was ultimately sentenced to three years in prison for an article published in 2020, which authorities claimed impugned the dignity of the state leader.

Lednik’s health had been in decline since his arrest, compounded by medical procedures during detention and pre-existing cardiac issues.

Over 1,400 political prisoners are reportedly held in Belarus.

Igar Lednik, born on 12 December 1960, in Minsk, Belarus, was an advocate for entrepreneurial rights. He received a higher technical education and established commercial enterprises such as Yason (Ясон) and Lima (Ліма) in the early 1990s. Lednik played a key role in defending the rights of entrepreneurs and was instrumental in founding the Coordination Council of Individual Entrepreneurs and coordinating its rights advocacy movement under the banner of “Our Belarus” (Наша Беларусь). He served as deputy director of the Center for Defense of Property Rights, Managers, and Entrepreneurs (Цэнтра абароны правоў уласнасці, кіраўнікоў і прадпрымальнікаў). Additionally, he engaged in political activism, affiliating himself with the Belarusian Social Democratic Party- He started publishing journalistic articles both domestically and internationally.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) vehemently condemns the imprisonment and is upset about the death of Lednik. We extend our deepest condolences to Lednik’s family, friends, and colleagues, and stand in solidarity with all journalists and activists facing threats to their safety and freedom of expression in Belarus. This tragic loss underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the country.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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