Podgorica, (MINA) – Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, and violence or intimidation of media professionals has no place in free and open societies, it was stated during a meeting between the OSCE Mission in Montenegro representatives with Pobjeda and Vijesti photojournalists, Stevo Vasiljevic and Boris Pejovic.

The OSCE Mission in Montenegro announced that their representatives met with Vasiljevic and Pejovic to discuss violence against media professionals.

Vasiljevic and Pejovic were recently threatened and attacked while on duty, reporting on the removal of an illegally erected monument to Pavle Djurisic in front of the church in the village of Gornje Zaostro in Berane.

Media Program Manager at the OSCE Mission, Evan Eberle, said that the Mission, advocating for conditions that allow journalists to work without intimidation, harassment and an atmosphere of impunity, cooperates with institutions to help ensure coordinated and timely responses to attacks and threats.

“We welcome the authorities’ swift initial response in this case and look forward to a thorough investigation and appropriate further action in accordance with the rule of law”, Eberle said.