Attacks on journalists and other media actors represent serious human rights violations, not only because they target individuals conducting journalistic activities but also because they deprive citizens of their right to information, thereby limiting public discourse, which is the core of a well-functioning democratic society. All too often, crimes against journalists go unpunished, fostering a culture of impunity and creating a sense of fear among journalists who may hesitate to report on sensitive topics. Given the harmful consequences that attacks on journalists have on democratic societies, the protection of journalists and other media actors must be a high priority based on three pillars: prevention, protection, and prosecution. Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung e. V. (HSF), the Society of Professional Journalists of Montenegro (DPNCG), and the Association for Responsible and Sustainable Development (UZOR) are implementing a project aimed at ensuring that journalists and other media actors can perform their role as guardians of democracy without interference and fear, and that no crime against journalists and other media actors goes unpunished.
Accordingly, the project is designed with the general aim of contributing to the European integration process of Montenegro by combating impunity and protecting journalists. The project will contribute to this goal by achieving a specific objective through full support for the effective protection of journalists and other media workers and better alignment of the legal framework with EU acquis. By achieving these milestones, the project will lay the foundation for protecting freedom of expression and journalists and contribute to meeting the benchmarks in chapters 23 and 24.
In achieving these goals, HSF as the project lead, DPNCG, and UZOR as partners will deliver three main outcomes, specifically targeting journalists, editors, media experts, the commission’s plans for monitoring investigations of attacks on journalists, and NGO representatives, namely: 1) Improved prevention of violations and abuse of journalists and aligned media policy and legal framework with EU acquis; 2) Strengthened capacities of journalists and other media workers for effective protection and combating impunity; and 3) Provided legal and psychological support to journalists, especially in judicial processes.
Implementation Period: January 3, 2024 – January 3, 2026
Budget: 108,484.00 EUR
Donor: European Commission through the Thematic programme on Human Rights and Democracy
