In response to the tragic events on January 1 in Cetinje, where 12 people were killed and four injured, a large number of citizens gathered this evening in front of the Ministry of Internal Affairs building in central Podgorica. The protesters are demanding resignations or dismissals of those responsible within the security sector.
Chanting “Resignations, resignations,” the crowd expressed that resignations are seen as a “moral act” following the unprecedented tragedy, reports RTCG.
Protesters held signs reading “Black and Suffering Montenegro,” “Grief, Revolt, Rage – No Turning Back,” and “Change Begins Where Silence Ends,” among others.
Demands from the Protest
Organizers read out a list of demands:
- Resignations of Officials: Immediate resignations of Minister of Internal Affairs Danilo Šaranović and Deputy Prime Minister for Security and Defense Aleksa Bečić.
- Demilitarization of Society: Confiscation and destruction of illegal and hidden weapons.
- Community Policing: Establishing community-based policing and altering the police’s approach toward citizens.
- Civic Education: Reintroducing civic education as a mandatory subject in primary and secondary schools.
- Weapon Ownership Tax: Implementing a high monthly tax on gun ownership and possession.
Additionally, the protest supported demands from the Human Rights Action and the Women’s Rights Center, including a moratorium on issuing firearm licenses until amendments are made to the Weapons Law and banning the purchase of firearms without prior ownership permits.
