OSCE Media Freedom Representative commends arrests in investigation of attack on Olivera Lakić in Montenegro, calls for justice to be served
VIENNA, 19 February 2019 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir today commended the arrest of nine persons in Montenegro who the police say are part of a criminal gang that is responsible for a series of crimes including the attack on journalist Olivera Lakić on 8 May last year.
“I commend the arrest of nine persons linked to the attack on Olivera Lakić who was shot in the leg, in Podgorica, in May 2018. It is essential that this attack against the journalist is fully investigated and all those involved brought to justice. Today’s announcement by the authorities of Montenegro that several persons allegedly linked to this crime were arrested is an important step. I welcome it and will continue to closely follow this case until all light is shed on this attack, its motives, and until all those involved including mastermind are convicted and sentenced,” said Désir “There must be no impunity for such attacks on journalists.”
In May 2018 the Representative strongly condemned this attack and called for it to be resolved as soon as possible: www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/380440.
Participants of the OSCE South East Europe Conference also issued a declaration that month on the shooting of Olivera Lakić: www.osce.org/representative-on-freedom-of-media/380689?download=true