Journalist Jovana Jovanović Faces Threats Amid Investigative Work

Jovana Jovanović, a journalist for the Montenegrin news outlet Vijesti, has recently received a threatening message linked to her reporting on organized crime and construction companies. The message, sent on September 13, 2023, implies severe consequences for Jovanović if she continues to mention a specific construction firm during her television appearances.

The threat reads, “Jeco debeljuco, tebi obezbjeđenje plaća država, a moje plaćam ja. Zato razmisli ko je bezbjedniji ja ili ti, strah me da se ne razočaraš, a vidim da oćeš. Zato u bilo koju sledeću emisiju, ili tvojim špijanjima, pomeni još jednom firmu ***** i sledeći put ćeš ti biti na gubitku, a ne moja firma. Pa nek košta što košta.” This message indicates a clear intent to intimidate Jovanović as she covers sensitive topics.

In response to the threat, Jovanović reported the incident to the police and the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica. Authorities are collaborating with their counterparts in Bosnia and Herzegovina to investigate the origins of the threat. While she does not know who sent the message, Jovanović suspects that the sender could be affiliated with organized crime groups she has covered extensively in her career.

Jovanović expressed skepticism that the threat originated from the construction company mentioned in the message. “It is highly unlikely that someone would threaten me and sign their name so transparently,” she stated. “The fact that I did not mention the company in my show supports my theory that someone wanted to divert the investigation toward the ownership structure of that company and related individuals.”

The Basic State Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that a case has been initiated against an unknown perpetrator for the crime of endangering Jovanović’s security. Prosecutor Duško Milanović oversees the investigation, which has involved interviewing Jovanović and submitting multiple requests for necessary legal orders to the Basic Court in Podgorica. The authorities are also utilizing international legal assistance to facilitate the investigation.

Jovanović has expressed satisfaction with the prompt response from authorities regarding the threat. Her case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety of journalists in Montenegro and the challenges they face when reporting on organized crime.

As the investigation unfolds, the implications for press freedom and journalist safety in the region remain critical, drawing attention to the need for further protections for those who dare to expose corruption and criminal activities.