Obradović emphasizes that despite the passage of time since this serious attack, the court proceedings still do not have a final epilogue, and are characterized by continuous delays, including the most recent one from February this year, due to requests for the disqualification of the trial panel and the court president. This effectively maintains uncertainty and distances justice from the victim. CCE emphasizes that the right to a fair trial does not only imply the formal conduct of the proceedings, but also a reasonable length of time, and this standard has been seriously violated. Frequent delays, as well as the lack of a decisive institutional reaction to obvious obstructions, highlight systemic weaknesses that cannot remain unanswered.
"We would like to remind you that Olivera Lakić was attacked after years of research on organized crime and corruption, and that she was also exposed to threats and violence before that attack. This case is also one of the indicators of the state's real readiness to protect journalists who work in the public interest and point out illegalities. At the same time, this development sends a message of impunity for attacks on journalists, which further deepens the feeling of insecurity among media workers, but also weakens citizens' trust in institutions that should guarantee justice and security," Obradović points out.
Obradović said that CCE reminds that the efficient prosecution of attacks on journalists is the state's obligation not only under national legislation, but also within the framework of international standards and obligations that Montenegro has as a candidate for membership in the European Union. Without visible results in cases like this, it is difficult to talk about substantial progress in the area of the rule of law and overcoming the gap between normative solutions and their implementation.
"CCE therefore calls on the competent institutions to ensure the conditions for efficient and responsible conduct of the procedure, while clearly addressing all forms of obstruction, regardless of who they come from. It is also necessary to improve mechanisms that will prevent the abuse of procedural rights, so that complex cases do not become hostages of endless procedural delays. Namely, each new delay further deepens the suspicion that the system is not capable of responding to such challenges," said Obradović.
Finally, he adds, CCE points to the need to establish accountability for this situation, as well as the necessity of concrete and consistent steps to end the practice of impunity in cases of attacks on journalists. Otherwise, this case risks remaining a long-lasting reminder of the system's weaknesses in providing justice when it is most needed.
"CCE will continue to carefully monitor this procedure and point out its importance, with the expectation that the competent institutions will show a greater degree of responsibility, because timely justice is crucial both for the protection of individuals, especially those acting in the public interest, and for citizens' trust in institutions," Obradović concluded in the statement.
