Trial Begins for Man Accused of Assaulting Journalists in Montenegro

The trial of Danko Femić commenced today at the Basic Court in Berane, Montenegro, where he faces charges related to an assault on journalists from Vijesti and Pobjeda. The incident, which occurred on August 8, involved the intimidation of photojournalists Boris Pejović and Stevo Vasiljević during the removal of a controversial monument in Gornje Zaostro.

Femić is accused of committing a criminal act of coercion against the two journalists, who reported that they were threatened and physically assaulted while covering the removal of the statue of Pavle Đurišić, a figure associated with wartime atrocities. According to reports, as the journalists arrived at the scene, a group confronted them, issuing threats, seizing equipment, and ultimately forcing them to delete their photographs.

During the trial, monitoring representatives from the Media Union of Montenegro were present, reflecting the significant media interest in the case. The allegations state that Vasiljević’s equipment was damaged, and he was forcibly taken into a tent where he was struck and threatened. Pejović noted that he was explicitly warned that if any material appeared in the media, he would be killed “with bare hands.”

In his defense, Femić denied making any threats against the journalists. He claimed he simply “took” their cameras and asked them to delete their photos, expressing remorse that the situation escalated. “I apologize to the victims, especially to Boris Pejović for threats I did not issue,” he stated. Femić explained that he acted under the belief that a local priest had prohibited photography at the event, asserting he did not recognize the journalists as such due to their lack of identification.

Vasiljević, testifying, expressed uncertainty about identifying Femić or others involved in the assault due to the chaotic nature of the incident. He described being surrounded by around twenty individuals who were intent on harming him, making it impossible to pinpoint who had taken his equipment. When asked about the coercion he experienced, Vasiljević stated that the return of his equipment was contingent on him deleting the images from the event, which he did out of fear for his safety.

Femić currently remains in custody, with his defense attorney arguing for his release, citing adverse family circumstances and a lack of threat to witnesses. The attorney emphasized Femić’s expression of regret regarding the incident, suggesting that media reports exaggerated the situation, claiming the journalists were not subjected to any particularly brazen violence.

When questioned about their feelings of safety, Pejović affirmed he continues to feel threatened, while Vasiljević echoed similar sentiments regarding their safety in Berane. The prosecutor opposed the motion to release Femić, given the serious nature of the allegations and the testimonies presented.

The next hearing in this case is scheduled for October 24, 2023, at the Basic Court in Berane, where Femić will remain in detention until further proceedings. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of journalists in Montenegro and the broader region, particularly when covering sensitive political and social issues.