Podgorica, (MINA) – A group of NGOs has called on the Council of Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG) to initiate proceedings to dismiss legally convicted members of this body and on the Parliament to dismiss them in an urgent procedure.

The Podgorica High Court upheld the ruling of the Basic Court in Podgorica, which sentenced former RTCG Council chair, Veselin Drljevic, and members Filip Lazovic, Amina Muric and Naod Zoric, to suspended prison sentences of seven months for abuse of office in regard to reappointment of Boris Raonic as RTCG Director General in 2023.

The press release, signed by representatives of the Center for Civic Education, the Media Institute, the Center for Investigative Journalism and the Media Center, welcomed the decision of the Podgorica High Court, adding that they had previously warned the RTCG Council members about the potential consequences of their decisions.

The NGOs pointed out that, although Raonic was not included in that criminal proceedings, it is undeniable that the case concerns the decision through which he was reappointed to the position he still holds today, and called on him to resign.

“We demand that the RTCG Council urgently initiate proceedings for the dismissal of legally convicted Council members, given that they have not shown willingness to take responsibility themselves, as well as that the Parliament of Montenegro to dismiss them in an urgent procedure”, the press release says.

They also requested from the representatives of the ruling majority to return the selection for members of the RTCG Council back to the Administrative Committee, and to carefully review all the facts regarding the candidates and to exclude Drljevic from that process.

“Following the final verdict against the four members of the RTCG Council, we expect the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office to initiate proceedings against Raonic for the criminal offense of incitement to commit a criminal offense, in line with the Media Center’s complaint filed in June 2023”, the press release says.