We strongly condemn the brutal, misogynistic, and cowardly attack on activist Vanja Ćalović Marković,disseminated via Facebook page “Narodna sloga” page, which has since been removed from social media. These kinds of attacks are not only targeted at one individual but serve as a warning to all who dare to criticize government decisions, especially women.
We call on the Police Directorate to urgently and transparently investigate who is behind this organized campaign. We emphasize that it is not enough for the Europe Now Movement (PES) to publicly distance itself – we expect them to take real action by filing complaints against all those who lead and support this disgraceful campaign in their interest. Likewise, the Democrats, who are responsible for the security sector, have an obligation to go beyond issuing vague party statements and demonstrate zero tolerance for these attacks. Government representatives cannot pick and choose when freedom of speech and anti-corruption efforts suit them, while remaining silent when women activists are targeted and intimidated.
Attacks on women in public spaces are attacks on the very foundation of a critical, free society, and lead to autocracy and the erosion of human rights for all citizens. These attacks must not go unanswered by institutions that are obligated to uphold the law and protect democratic principles in our society.
Maja Raičević, Women’s Rights Center
Azra Vuković, Green Home
Miloš Vuković, Fidelity Consulting
Zenepa Lika, MSJA
Jovan Ulićević, Association Spectra
Tea Gorjanc Prelević, Human Rights Action (HRA)
Boško Milović, NGO Optimists
Daliborka Uljarević, Centre for Civic Education (CCE)
Andrijana Mićanović, Montenegrin Ecologists Society
Sonja Dragović, KANA / If Not Us, Who?
Mustafa Canka, UL Info
Miodrag Vujović, Organization KOD
Aleksandra Kapetanović, EXPEDITIO
Nataša Kovačević, CEE Bankwatch Network
Jovana Janjušević, Center for Protection and Research of Birds (CZIP)
Marina Vujačić, Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro (UMHCG)
Ana Dedivanović, Association of LBTQ Women “Stana”
Mira Saveljić, Safe Women’s House
Kristina Mihailović, Association Parents
Ivana Vujović, Juventas
Biljana Zeković, SOS Hotline Podgorica
Jelena Marojević Galić, Parks of the Dinarides
Blažo Crvenica, Biciklo.me
Fana Delija, Center for Roma Initiatives
Ranko Dacić, Montenegrin Harm Reduction Network LINK
Milka Tadić Mijović, Center for Investigative Journalism (CIN CG)
Ivana Čogurić Rašović, Ecopatriotism
Aleksandar Dragićević, civic activist
Dušan Pajović, civic activist
Mladen Ivanović, civic activist
Milena Popović Samardžić, civic activist
Vuk Vujisić, civic activist
Marko Begović, civic activist
Jovan Samardžić, civic activist