(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ has confirmed the following new developments in the cases of three independent journalists targeted by the Yugoslav military for practicing their profession. ** Updates IFEX alerts of 2 June, 14 May, 7 May, 29 April, 27 April, 23 April and 22 April 1999** Croatian journalist escapes Yugoslav military incarceration Antun Masle, a […]
(CPJ/IFEX) – CPJ has confirmed the following new developments in the cases
of three independent journalists targeted by the Yugoslav military for
practicing their profession.
** Updates IFEX alerts of 2 June, 14 May, 7 May, 29 April, 27 April, 23
April and 22 April 1999**
Croatian journalist escapes Yugoslav military incarceration
Antun Masle, a correspondent for the independent Croatian weekly “Globus”,
returned to Croatia today after escaping early on 7 June 1999 from the
custody of Yugoslav federal troops in Podgorica, Montenegro. The 40-year-old
veteran war correspondent evaded his guards in a Podgorica hospital, where
he had been transferred recently from a military prison after complaining of
stomach pains. He crossed into Croatia today and was reported heading for
his home in Dubrovnik. Masle was apprehended by Yugoslav army soldiers on 20
April after he crossed the border from Albania into Montenegro. A Yugoslav
military judge ordered him imprisoned pending an investigation into charges
of espionage. If found guilty, Masle faced a sentence of up to 10 years in
prison.
Montenegrin publisher faces military trial for “treason”
Miodrag Perovic, publisher of the independent Montenegrin weekly “Monitor”,
is scheduled to appear before a Yugoslav military tribunal in Podgorica on
10 June. Perovic is charged with treason under Yugoslavia’s martial law for
his editorials, in which he called for greater Montenegrin autonomy. He fled
to Italy last month after Yugoslav authorities ordered his arrest. Perovic
returned to Montenegro on 5 June after military officials agreed not to
arrest him upon his return and gave assurances that he would be treated
fairly by the tribunal. If he is convicted, Perovic faces up to 10 years’
imprisonment.
Accused Montenegrin broadcaster seeks asylum in Italy
Nebojsa Redzic, chief editor at the independent Radio Free Montenegro, has
requested political asylum in Italy. Redzic left Montenegro last month after
Yugoslav army officials issued a warrant for his arrest. He was charged
under martial law with illegally revealing army positions in wartime during
his broadcasts.
