The Higher Court in Podgorica rejected the appeals of the defenders of Zoran Bećirović and Mladen Mijatović, who were non-finally convicted for the attack on journalist Ana Raičković, and extended their detention. The court assessed that there are special circumstances justifying the extension of detention, including the seriousness of the threats and the possibility of repeating the criminal offense. The attack occurred on November 10 last year, and the police provided protection to the journalist after the incident. The court’s reasoning stated that although Bećirović had no prior convictions, his behavior and the circumstances of the case indicate a risk of reoffending.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports emphasize the protection of journalists and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable to safeguard freedom of the press. They highlight the court’s decision as a necessary measure to prevent further attacks on journalists and stress the seriousness of threats against media workers.
Center: Center-leaning coverage focuses on the legal process and the court’s adherence to due process and proportionality in extending detention. It presents the facts of the case, the court’s reasoning, and the balance between individual rights and public safety without strong political bias.
Right: Right-leaning narratives may emphasize the presumption of innocence and the importance of not infringing on individual freedoms without conclusive evidence. They might highlight the defendants’ previous clean records and question whether the detention extension is justified or politically motivated.
