APPEAL OF 11 NGOs – the Government should provide free access to information to the Commission for monitoring cases of attacks on journalists and release reports on the work of the Commission

Eleven NGOs (Human Rights Action, Centre for Civic Education (CCE), Centre for Investigative Journalism, Centre for Monitoring and Research (CEMI), Centre for Women’s and Peace Education ANIMA, Women’s Rights Centre, Institute Alternative, Juventas, Network for Affirmation of NGO Sector (MANS), Women’s Safe House and Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro (AYDM) have sent a letter to the President of the Government of Montenegro, Mr Dusko Markovic and Vice President of the Government and Minister of Justice, Mr Zoran Pazin, in which they appealed to them to provide conditions for effective work of the Commission and for informing the public on that work.

It was suggested that the Government publishes reports of the Commission and informs the public whether those reports, along with recommendations, were sent to the State Prosecution and Police Directorate, whether the implementation of recommendations has started, and whether any results were achieved, as well as that the Government ensures that the Police Directorate and Ministry of Interior are providing documentation to the Commission without censoring personal names.

It was pointed in the letter that the effective work of the Commission, as well as regular informing of the public on results of such work, is in general interest of respecting human rights and improving trust in work of the Government of Montenegro and other state bodies.

Please find attached the letter submitted to the President and Vice President and Minister of Justice of the Government of Montenegro.