17/01/2019 (Agence Europe) – The spokesperson of the European External Action Service, Maja Kocijancic, warned on Thursday 17 January that freedom of expression was “one of the fundamental values of the EU and a key element in Montenegro's accession process to the EU”, the day after the 18-month prison sentence for drug trafficking imposed on investigative journalist Jovo Martinović. If he is accused of having links with traffickers, according to Mr Martinović these contacts were conducted in a professional context. In September, he received the Peter Mackler Prize for journalistic ethics and courage. Refusing to comment on the verdict, the EEAS spokesperson hoped that the journalist, if he appeals, would benefit from a “fair” trial in accordance with international standards. “Journalists should be able to carry out their duties in a professional manner and without fear of reprisals”, she also said. (CG)