EU and allies demand zero tolerance for attacks on journalists in Montenegro

On 8 August, journalists from Montenegro’s Pobjeda and Vijesti newspapers were attacked while reporting on the unveiling of a controversial monument to Chetnik commander Pavle Đurišić in Gornje Zaostro, near Berane. The monument, erected by Metropolitan Metodije of the Serbian Orthodox Church’s Budimlja-Nikšić diocese, was later removed and relocated to a nearby church, reigniting debates over Montenegro’s complex World War II legacy.

In response, the European Union Delegation to Montenegro, joined by the embassies of Germany, France, Italy, and the United States, issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and urging a “zero-tolerance” stance toward violence and threats against journalists.

The statement, posted on the X platform, called for a swift and thorough investigation, emphasising that “violence against journalists has no place in a democratic society.” It also pressed all parties, including religious authorities, to uphold freedom of expression and implement strict policies against such attacks.

The incident underscores broader political polarization in Montenegro, where the Serbian Orthodox Church’s influence and the interpretation of historical figures like Đurišić – a polarizing Chetnik leader involved in ethnic violence during World War II – continue to stoke tensions.

Historical context

Montenegro’s historical divisions trace back to World War II, when the country was occupied by Axis powers. Pavle Đurišić, a Chetnik commander, collaborated with Italian fascist forces and was implicated in atrocities against non-Serb populations, making his legacy a flashpoint in modern Montenegro.

The Serbian Orthodox Church, a powerful institution in the country, often aligns with pro-Serbian narratives, clashing with Montenegro’s push for a distinct national identity and EU integration. The brief erection of Đurišić’s monument reflects these ongoing struggles over historical memory, which frequently spill into public discourse and, as seen here, violence.

Investigation and legal actions

The Berane police referred five individuals -D.L. (47), D.P. (28), V.D. (20), and two minors (aged 15 and 17) – to the Prosecutor’s Office for their alleged roles in the attacks. The Prosecutor’s Office classified their actions as administrative violations under Article 7 of the Law on Public Order and Peace, citing insults and provocative behaviour, rather than criminal offenses. Additionally, F.C. (18) was identified for damaging a journalist’s photographic equipment, while DF and VS were arrested for threatening security, and V.R. faced charges for an administrative offense. In total, eight individuals are under criminal or administrative prosecution.

EU’s broader message

The EU’s intervention highlights press freedom as a cornerstone of Montenegro’s EU integration aspirations. Montenegrin journalist organisations have echoed the EU’s call, demanding stronger protections for media workers amid rising threats. Montenegro is a leading candidate for EU membership, but its complex historical legacy frequently hinders progress and risks being exploited by external forces aiming to undermine the EU.

Caption: The unveiling of a controversial monument to Chetnik commander Pavle Đurišić in Gornje Zaostro, near Berane, on 8 August 2025. [X account of @AsmirPucurica, Vice President of the Youth Council of the Democratic Party of Socialists of Montenegro]