Association Spectra strongly condemns the threats directed at activist Ida Marković via the Instagram social network, which include explicit threats of kidnapping and physical violence, followed by insults based on transphobia and misogyny.

The messages addressed directly to her represent a clear and unequivocal threat to security.

Explicit threats of kidnapping and physical violence represent the criminal offense of endangering security under Article 168 of the Criminal Code of Montenegro. At the same time, the fact that the messages are accompanied by transphobic insults and are directed at a person because of his gender identity indicates the existence of a hate motive, which must be treated as an aggravating circumstance in accordance with the law.

This type of behavior also has elements of harassment and discrimination based on gender identity, which is expressly prohibited by the Law on Prohibition of Discrimination and requires decisive action by the competent institutions. We note that attacks of this type have a wider effect than individual intimidation, since they represent an attempt to silence persons who act publicly in the field of human rights, which directly threatens freedom of expression and democratic space.

The findings of Spectra’s research show that experiences of harassment and bullying among trans and gender-variant people are almost universal, while the majority do not report violence due to distrust in institutions, belief that reporting will not lead to protection, and fear of additional victimization.

The absence of a decisive reaction in this case would further deepen that mistrust and send a message that trans women are a legitimate target of violence, which unfortunately would not be the first time, considering that Ida Marković is an unprotected target of continuous violence in many aspects of her life.

Therefore, we demand immediate action from the Police Administration and the competent prosecutor’s office, identification and prosecution of those responsible, and provision of protection for the victim. Any delay or relativization of this case would represent a serious institutional failure. When one takes into account the numerous cases of lack of reaction or, at best, lukewarm reactions of institutions when it comes to violence against trans people, any continuation of this practice would be evidence of deliberate inaction and send the message that safety in practice is not everyone’s right. This sends another message that violence in our society is normalized, and that it is precisely the marginalized communities whose safety and dignity can be most easily threatened without any consequences.

Association Spectra will continue to monitor the actions of the competent authorities and insist on full responsibility and transparency in this case.