Centre for Civic Education (CCE) expresses deep concern over the targeting of citizens of Cetinje who are peacefully protesting to demand answers from the relevant institutions regarding the mass murders that occurred in the Old Royal Capital on 12 August 2022, and 1 January 2025. These citizens are exercising their right to freedom of assembly, guaranteed by Article 52 of the Constitution of Montenegro and the European Convention on Human Rights.
In recent days, we have witnessed inappropriate pressure from the highest levels of government on the citizens of Cetinje, who have been blocking traffic daily at Kruševo Ždrijelo at 17:26 for months now, protesting the lack of institutional response and accountability.
It is especially irresponsible that Vlade Bojović, Political Director of the ruling Europe Now Movement (PES), referred to the protesters as “relatives of DPS officials and of claimed BIL persons,” accusing them of deliberately obstructing the tourist season. Among the protesters are also family members and friends of the killed in Cetinje and such statements not only offend them further, but retraumatize them. Instead of offering understanding and answers, the protesters are being portrayed as a threat – as criminals allegedly acting against the interests of the state. Tourism, while a vital sector of Montenegro’s economy, cannot and must not be used as an excuse to restrict constitutionally and internationally guaranteed rights.
It is outrageous, unacceptable, and offensive to target peaceful citizens who have been affected by the deaths of 23 people, including four children. These citizens are not seeking privileges – they are demanding truth, accountability, and justice.
The CCE also reminds the President of the Security and Defense Committee of the Parliament of Montenegro, Miodrag Laković, also from the ruling PES, that no “permit” is required to exercise the constitutional right to protest and expresses surprise that he is apparently unaware of this.
The CCE also reminds that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić did not attend the commemoration for the victims of the mass killings on 1 January, nor has he publicly responded on how he plans to support the families of the victims and the capital of Cetinje in improving the security situation.
In this context, calls for the Ministry of Interior and Police Directorate to “ensure traffic flow” are senseless, and we sincerely hope they are not a pretext for more dangerous intentions.
Responsible decision-makers work for the benefit of all citizens, with special care and sensitivity toward communities that have endured trauma, such as Cetinje. It is time that, instead of pointing fingers at those who raise questions about the functioning of Montenegrin institutions, those paid by the public to serve the public finally demonstrate that they understand their role and responsibility and begin working on systemic changes to make Montenegro a safer country.
Cetinje needs empathy, answers, and institutional support – not labeling and the denial of human rights. That is why the CCE calls on the Government of Montenegro to respond to the questions raised by the citizens of Kruševo Ždrijelo and by many others in the name of justice, accountability, and trust in institutions.
Sara Čabarkapa, Active Citizenship Programme Coordinator