Montenegrin non-governmental organisations and activists strongly condemn the attack on the car with Split licence plates carrying supporters from Croatia. Such incidents are absolutely unacceptable, must be strictly punished, and must not be repeated. We do not accept that malicious individuals generate and incite hatred in our country or seek to create discord between us and our neighbours. We believe that Montenegro knows better and can act differently.
The atmosphere at the match between the national teams of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, when supporters of both countries exchanged jokes such as “burek with cheese” and “they’ll call you from the employment office”, or at the match with the Croatian national team in Zagreb, when Montenegrin supporters displayed the chivalrous banner “Forgive us, Dubrovnik”, shows that rivalry can also be friendly and dignified, contributing to reconciliation. This is how it must be today and in the future.
We demand the urgent identification and prosecution of the perpetrators of the attack, with transparent informing of the public about the course of the proceedings. We also demand the consistent application of the law and stricter punishment for every act of hate-motivated violence and hate speech, in order to clearly send the message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. We expect a more effective implementation of the announced security measures for all supporters, and especially for guests from Croatia in the context of this evening’s match.
We appeal to all state authorities, supporters, the media and politicians to actively contribute to preserving the spirit of sportsmanship. Sport should unite, not incite hatred.
Human Rights Action (HRA)
Association Spectra
Centre for Civic Education (CCE)
Women’s Rights Center (WRC)
Center for Monitoring and Research (CeMI)
Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)
Centre for the Development of Non-Governmental Organisations (CRNVO)
Center for Women and Peace Education ANIMA
Montenegrin PEN Center
Montenegrin Philological Society
Montenegrin Women’s Lobby
Montenegrin LGBTIQ Association Queer Montenegro
Ipso Facto
Juventas
NGO „35mm“
Open Centre Bona Fide – Pljevlja
NGO Prima
Roma Youth Organization “Walk With Us – Phiren Amenca”
Shelter
Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro (AYDM)
Paula Petričević, Civic Activist
Milena Bešić, Civic Activist