Non-governmental organizations and civic activists strongly condemn the threat made by Milan Knežević, a member of parliament from the ruling party, the Democratic People’s Party, directed at environmental activist Aleksandar Dragićević.
During a protest against the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Botun, Knežević addressed the following statement to activist Dragićević: “If he continues like that, I publicly promise him, we will come in front of his house with tractors full of feces and spill them, so let him breathe if it’s healthy, let him process them if it’s healthy.”
Such a statement represents an unacceptable form of intimidation and incitement to violence against Dragićević. Public officials are especially responsible for every publicly spoken word and must not call for the commission of misdemeanors or criminal offenses. When a member of parliament publicly issues such threats, it creates a real risk that some of his supporters may take those messages literally and act on them. Such behavior may also constitute a criminal offense (threats, incitement to violence/harassment).
Civic activists, such as Aleksandar Dragićević, are exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression and public advocacy for environmental protection. Criticism of government decisions or opinions on infrastructure projects must not be grounds for threats and stigmatization, but should be understood as a legitimate contribution to public debate and the democratic process. Dragićević has never, in any way, threatened Knežević.
Montenegro has international obligations regarding the protection of human rights. As a member of the United Nations, it is obliged to respect the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), which guarantees the safety of all individuals who peacefully promote and protect human rights, including the right to a healthy environment. Also, as a signatory of the Aarhus Convention, Montenegro is committed to ensuring full public participation in environmental decision-making, without fear of intimidation, retaliation, or repression.
We expect the competent state authorities to respond effectively to the complaint filed by Aleksandar Dragićević against MP Milan Knežević for endangering his safety and to provide full protection to the environmental activist. Otherwise, a dangerous message is sent that threats and intimidation of activists are tolerated, with serious consequences for the state of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Montenegro.
Action for Human Rights (HRA)
Association SPEKTRA
Center for Civic Education (CGO)
Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro (CIN-CG)
Center for Democratic Transition (CDT)
Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)
Center for Women’s Rights (CŽP)
Ipso Facto
PRIMA
Dina Bajramspahić, civic activist
Darko Saveljić, civic activist
Jovana Marović, civic activist
Milica Kankaraš, civic activist
Mladen Ivanović, director
Paula Petričević, civic activist