Montenegrin Journalist Denied Entry to Serbia

Montenegrin journalist Vuk Maraš, director of BIRN Montenegro, announced he was denied entry into Serbia on Monday. He was stopped at Belgrade's Nikola Tesla Airport while transiting through the capital on his way to Rome.

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I believe I 'earned' this ban due to my criticism of media freedom in Serbia, which I have publicly expressed in the media in Montenegro. And which, of course, I fully stand behind.

Maraš stated on Facebook that he intended to leave the airport during a long layover to visit Belgrade's city center. However, during passport control, police detained him for about an hour and a half. He was subsequently issued a decision refusing his entry into Serbia.

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I do not think that entry bans bring anything good to anyone. Institutional solutions are needed to combat propaganda and media poisoning, which these bans are not.

He is currently awaiting a flight back to Podgorica, expecting to be deported. Maraš believes this ban is part of reciprocal measures against media professionals from Montenegro. He asserts that he "earned" this ban due to his public criticisms of media freedom in Serbia, statements he stands by.

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Since there is truly no parallel universe in which I can be any danger to the state of Serbia or any of its inhabitants, I will process this entry ban decision before the competent court with great pleasure.

Maraš condemned entry bans as a political response, arguing they do not resolve underlying issues. He stated that institutional solutions are needed to combat propaganda and media manipulation, not such prohibitions. He plans to legally challenge the entry ban, asserting he poses no threat to Serbia.

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All those who think that they will scare or silence us who fight against corruption and organized crime in this way must understand that neither the old regime in Montenegro succeeded in doing so, nor will anyone else.