APEL 19 NGO: Urgent and resolutely punish threats for expressing opinions

We require the State Prosecutor's Office, the Directorate of Police and the Competent Court to investigate urgently in the criminal proceedings of the Defense of the deaths sent to Ljubomir Filipović, the threat of rape of his child, as well as threats to violence, Jana Vlahović, journalist and Historians, on the social network X, and due to their criticism of the aggressive nationalist song "Veselji Srpski Rode" at the release of the Republic of Serbia at the Davis Cup - the appeals of 19 NGOs.

They point out to condemn both countless vulgar insults sent to Ljubomir Filipović and Jani Vlahović, which are subject to prosecution in misdemeanor proceedings.

The fact that the Basic State Prosecutor's Office in Kotor was particularly concerned with all applications submitted by Filipović for the direction of the threats, except for which the violands court sentenced to a minimum fine in the amount of 250 euros. The absence of an emergency and determined reaction of the competent authorities and impunity of perpetrators apparently encourages individuals to call for violence against people because of their opinion, which is illegal and unacceptable in a democratic society - the appeal.

The state, as they add, must resolute to defend the right to freedom of expression from those who would kill, rape and the like, and calls on Linch Failure to prevent and punish.

We invite the State Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of the Interior to inform the public about the actions taken in these cases and appeal to the Police Administration to provide adequate protection to persons that receive direct death threats. Finally, we also emphasize that the manifestation of aggressive nationalism and any other form of hate speech during sports and other public events, whether Davis Cup, football matches of local clubs or social networks - is listed in the appeal 19 NGOs.

Non-governmental organizations signed by appeal:

Human Rights Action (HRA)

Spectrum Association

Center for Women's Rights (CZP)

CENTER FOR CITIZENSHIP (CCE)

Center for Investigative Reporting (CIN CG)

Center for Women and Peace Education Anima

Monitoring and research center (CEMI)

Center for Development of Non-Governmental Organizations (CRNVO)

Democratic Transition Center (CDT)

Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)

Center for Civic Freedoms (Cegas)

Montenegrin LGBTIQ Association Kvir Montenegro

Institute of Media Montenegro (IMCG)

Juventas

Montenegrin Youth Activism Network (MOACG)

Receiving

Safe Women's House (Sžk)

Dr. Medicine Trade Union of Montenegro (SDMCG)

Association of Youth with Handicap of Montenegro (UMHCG)

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