Montenegro jails man over journalist's beating

(PODGORICA) - A Montenegro court on Friday sentenced the attacker of an investigative reporter, whose beating in March sparked international condemnation, to nine months in prison.

Ivan Buskovic, 29, was found guilty of "violent behaviour" for attacking journalist Olivera Lakic, judge Zeljka Jovovic said.

The court dismissed Buskovic's denial that he was involved in the attack and said defence witnesses who tried to provide an alibi for him were lying.

Lakic, a journalist who wrote articles about alleged production of counterfeit cigarettes published by influential daily Vijesti, was attacked in early March outside her home and hit several times in the head.

Lakic, who had received multiple threats since she started writing on the topic last year, recognised Buskovic as her attacker. The trial did not shed any light on the motive for the brutal beating.

Vijesti's manager, Zeljko Ivanovic, said the case should be considered unsolved until it is established who had ordered the attack.

"The court should have pronounced a verdict that would send a message to the public that journalists are free, protected and should be able to do their job normally. This way Olivera Lakic will remain in her own prison," Ivanovic told reporters, referring to the fact that Lakic is now unable to work as she is under permanent police protection.

Neither prosecutor nor defence attorneys said if they would lodge an appeal against the verdict.

Lakic's case drew huge international and domestic condemnation at the time as well as rising demands for the authorities to tackle organised crime and protect journalists.

The attack on Lakic has come at a sensitive time for the tiny Balkan state with a population of 650,000, as it is required to meet standards on fighting organised crime and corruption in EU accession talks opened in June.