Research by the Center for Civic Education (CGO) shows that 60% of Montenegro’s citizens see political parties and their bot networks as the main sources of hate speech on the internet. Hate speech, especially in the online space, is becoming a daily occurrence, with institutional responses being insufficient and inconsistent. The problem escalates during social crises and pronounced disagreements, such as the events in Cetinje or public statements by women opposing dominant narratives, facing waves of misogyny. CGO highlights that hate speech increasingly comes from elected officials, containing elements of discrimination, homophobia, and misogyny. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warns about the danger of divisive rhetoric used by some politicians. Research shows that a third of citizens do not report hate speech due to distrust in institutions, and over a quarter do not believe in the effectiveness of media and social media self-regulation. Although laws provide for sanctions, their enforcement is rare and inconsistent. CGO calls for educational campaigns, legislative changes, and strengthening institutional capacities for better protection of digital rights and promotion of digital citizenship.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the systemic nature of hate speech in Montenegro, highlighting the role of political parties and their bot networks in spreading hate speech online. They focus on the insufficient institutional response and call for stronger legal frameworks, educational campaigns, and digital literacy to combat hate speech. They also stress the importance of protecting marginalized groups and criticize hate speech coming from elected officials.
Center: Center-leaning sources report on the prevalence of hate speech as a societal problem, acknowledging the role of political actors and social crises in escalating hate speech. They present data from CGO research and statements from UN officials, emphasizing the need for balanced institutional responses and inclusive dialogue to address the issue. They highlight the challenges in enforcement of existing laws and the need for improved media self-regulation and public awareness.
Right: Right-leaning sources may focus on the importance of law and order, stressing the need for strict enforcement of existing laws against hate speech. They might emphasize the responsibility of individuals and institutions to maintain respectful public discourse and condemn hate speech from all sides, including political figures. They may also highlight the risks of divisive rhetoric and call for unity and social cohesion.