Podgorica, (MINA) – Press freedom in Montenegro is not under threat, said Minister of Media Tamara Vujovic, commenting on the investigation launched by the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SPO), under which, as announced, editors of certain media outlets will be questioned.

Vujovic said this to journalists following the conference “How to improve the safety of media workers”, organized by the Media Trade Union, when asked to comment on claims by certain media outlets that the SPO was targeting the media.

She said that it was too early to comment or make any assessments, especially “characterizing the whole process as persecution”.

“This is something that the SPO believes bears the characteristics of criminal offenses within its jurisdiction, with very high penalties envisaged, we are talking about endangering the constitutional order”, stated Vujovic.

She said that it should be left to the institutions to handle the case and to reach a conclusion in accordance with the investigation order.

“I heard that the SPO spokesperson said some editors and media owners will be questioned, and I think that everyone is obliged to testify”, Vujovic added.

When asked whether media freedom has been violated, Vujovic replied in the negative.

“I don’t think so. Suspicion has been raised, we are talking about very serious crimes”, Vujovic said.