Gynecologist Arrested After Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

A gynecologist in Podgorica, identified as P.J., has been arrested following allegations of sexual misconduct made by a 25-year-old woman. The allegations include inappropriate physical contact during a medical examination on October 10, 2023. The woman claims that after the examination, the doctor kissed her on the neck and made an inappropriate comment, stating, “this suits me a little more.”

The incident was reported to authorities shortly after it occurred. The woman contacted the non-governmental organization “Prima” for support, detailing her experience of alleged sexual harassment. Following this, she and representatives from the NGO went to the Podgorica police station to file an official complaint. The police inspector assigned to the case reportedly handled the situation with professionalism, which was crucial in providing the victim with a sense of safety and trust in the system.

According to sources from “Prima,” the case was subsequently referred to the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica. The prosecutor concluded that the victim’s statement contained elements of a criminal offense, categorizing it as unlawful sexual acts.

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the gynecologist was released to defend himself at liberty after questioning by the prosecutor’s office. The reasons for this decision have not been disclosed by the prosecutor’s office to the media.

In the aftermath of the incident, “Prima” reported significant challenges in securing a timely medical response for the victim. The organization stated that two out of three on-call gynecologists at the Clinical Center of Montenegro initially refused to follow the prosecutor’s instructions to take a sample from the victim, which is standard protocol in cases of sexual violence. It was only after police intervention that the gynecologists complied.

The allegations have raised concerns within the medical community. Both the Ministry of Health and the Medical Chamber of Montenegro issued statements emphasizing the importance of patient safety and the need for thorough investigations into such allegations. The Ministry expressed its commitment to ensuring that all circumstances surrounding the case are examined in accordance with legal and professional standards.

A spokesperson from the Medical Chamber acknowledged the severity of the claims but underscored the principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty. They stressed the importance of responding promptly and appropriately from an ethical standpoint, noting that if the allegations are substantiated, they would represent severe violations of medical ethics and patient rights.

“Sexual violence is a severe blow to an individual’s sense of safety and integrity,” stated “Prima.” The organization emphasized the need for a supportive institutional response to prevent further victimization of those who come forward with such experiences.

As investigations continue, the case highlights ongoing issues regarding the treatment of sexual assault victims within the healthcare system and the importance of professional conduct in medical practice.