The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is deeply concerned at the continuing climate of violence and intimidation against journalists in Montenegro, spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani told a press briefing in Geneva on Friday.

Commenting the recent shooting of Vijesti newspaper investigative reporter Olivera Lakic and car bomb in front of journalist Sead Sadikovic’s home, Shamdasani said the OHCHR is concerned at reports of threats and violence against journalists.

“We are concerned at reports indicating that journalists, in particular those considered to be critical of the authorities, have been subjected to threats, physical violence, defamation lawsuits and smear campaigns. According to reports from NGO sources since 2013 there have been some 20 to 25 attacks against journalists and media outlets per year, and very few cases have been investigated,” she said.

“We urge Montenegro to comply with its international human rights obligations to fully protect the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including protecting journalists and media against any form of violence and censorship,” the OHCHR spokeswoman said adding that the Montenegrin authorities should also condemn all attacks against journalists and make sure that all cases are investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice.