Herceg Novi police detain father of a child: we appeal to the media not to publish details about the event that may reveal the child's identity

Regarding media interest in the event that occurred in Herceg Novi, where the father is suspected and his child is the victim, and in response to questions already posed by some media to the Police Department after certain outlets reported on the incident this morning citing unofficial sources, we inform you of the following: Officers of the Herceg Novi Security Department, on 17.07.2026, upon the order of the state prosecutor at the Higher State Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica, detained an adult man, a citizen of Bosnia and Herzegovina residing in Herceg Novi, on suspicion of committing a criminal offense of unlawful sexual conduct against his minor son, related to the crime of sexual abuse of a child under fourteen. The competent prosecutor issued a detention order for up to 72 hours until the suspect's appearance before the investigating judge of the Higher Court in Podgorica. The investigating judge ordered detention for up to 30 days, after which the individual was transferred to UIKS Spuž, where he remains. Law enforcement authorities have not commented on this event to protect the child's identity and integrity, as well as the child's dignity and to prevent secondary victimization. We also take this opportunity to appeal to the media to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards when reporting on this and similar events, especially in protecting the rights of children and minors, and to refrain from publishing any details they may unofficially possess from other sources that could potentially reveal the victim's identity.