Clashes erupted today between citizens and police at the approaches to Vila Gorica in Podgorica during a protest against the awarding of the Thirteenth of July Prize to writer Bećir Vuković. Vuković is known for denying the Montenegrin nation and supporting the Chetnik movement.
Protesters Blocked, Chemical Agents Used
Strong police forces used chemical agents and physically prevented demonstrators from approaching the Villa, where a reception for the Thirteenth of July Prize ceremony began at 8:30 PM. A cordon of police in riot gear and several hundred citizens remained confronted on the street, hundreds of meters away from the ceremony venue.
On two occasions, several hundred citizens attempted to break through the police cordon and reach the Villa. After the police used pepper spray twice, protesters responded by throwing eggs and stones at the police.
“Fascists” and “Treason”: Protesters’ Demands
Protesters chanted “Fascists” and “Treason,” “Mandić, fascist,” and “Fascists must be told no, anytime, anywhere,” while displaying a banner that read “No Pasaran” and singing the Montenegrin anthem.
Several demonstrators experienced breathing difficulties due to the use of pepper spray, with emergency services providing aid to one protester.
The demonstrators deem it unacceptable for a prize symbolizing anti-fascism to be awarded to a writer who supports the Chetnik movement—a collaborator with fascists during World War II. The Thirteenth of July Prize is awarded in honor of Montenegro’s Statehood Day to creators for works that represent a recognizable and lasting good of Montenegro. The anti-fascist uprising in Montenegro began on July 13, 1941.
Award Laureate Rejects Prize, Vuković’s Controversial Views
One of the three laureates, Miloš Karadaglić, a world-renowned classical guitarist, has refused to accept the award. Besides Vuković, graphic artist Veljo Stanišić also received the award. The awards are to be presented by Parliament Speaker Andrija Mandić.
In his columns, Vuković has glorified Draža Mihailović, a Chetnik leader from World War II, claiming he was “the leader of the third Serbian uprising.” He has also supported the policies of the pro-Russian Democratic Front of Andrija Mandić, stating it is “the only truth in Montenegro’s cloudy political sky.” Through his writings, he has denied the Montenegrin nation, claiming it was invented by the Comintern (Communist International, founded in Moscow in 1919).
