In the latest edition of its regular review on the state of freedom of expression, Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression has included the case of the smear campaign against Tea Gorjanc Prelević, Executive Director of the Human Rights Action (HRA) and one of the most consistent human rights defenders in Montenegro.
In one section of the newsletter, it states:
Montenegro: Stop the Attacks on Human Rights Defenders. Montenegro-based Centre for Civic Education calls on the ruling Democratic Montenegro party to cease publicly smearing prominent human rights defender Tea Gorjanc Prelević. Through anonymous statements accusing Gorjanc Prelević of political bias, “opposing vetting in the police and security services,” “misleading the public,” and being “ready for dirty work,” Democratic Montenegro has led a multi-day attack against Gorjanc Prelević, who, according to the Centre, appeals to law and the right to criticize the authorities. “Where a party assumes the role of judge, the rule of law ceases,” says the civil society statement in support of Gorjanc Prelević. “Censorship, verdicts without trial, and the suppression of criticism pave the way to authoritarianism and evoke totalitarian models.”
CCE emphasizes that the case of the attacks on colleague Gorjanc Prelević, about which the international public has been duly informed, has drawn significant attention and further highlighted the extent to which critically oriented individuals and organizations in Montenegro are exposed to pressure and attempts at discreditation by those in power. This serves as an important indicator in assessing the state of freedom of expression and the possibilities for democratic participation in society, and it also sends a clear signal that, instead of fostering an environment for dialogue and respect for criticism, actions are being taken to intimidate and silence those who advocate for the rule of law and the public interest.
Columbia University Global Freedom of Expression is a global academic platform of Columbia University dedicated to promoting transparency, freedom of expression, and the right to information around the world.
Petar Đukanović, Programme Director