Residents Block Traffic Near Podgorica Airport in Protest

Residents of Botun and Zeta have staged a protest by blocking the roundabout near the “Čelebić” petrol station, disrupting traffic on the route to Podgorica Airport. The demonstration, which involved several hundred participants, is in response to the ongoing construction of a wastewater treatment facility in the industrial zone of KAP located in Botun.

The protest is set to last for four hours, concluding at 16:00 (local time). Organizers have announced plans for daily protests, indicating a commitment to their cause. Prior to this blockade, residents had also demonstrated at the Sitnica Bridge towards Cetinje and near the “Jezero” restaurant in Vranjina.

In response to the protests, local police have blocked the main road near the roundabout and are redirecting drivers to alternative routes. Many travelers heading to the airport have been forced to walk from the Cijevna Bridge due to police patrols in the area.

As tensions rise, authorities have taken action against demonstrators. Recently, 31 individuals were sanctioned for participating in unregistered gatherings in Podgorica and Zeta. This includes one person who obstructed a railway track with an unregistered vehicle in Bistrica, compromising railway safety.

According to the Podgorica Police Department, 13 individuals were penalized for blocking traffic during a protest in Donja Gorica. Police have identified 18 people involved in previous protests that obstructed major roadways, including the roundabout on the Nikšić-Cetinje highway and the main road in Bistrica.

The police reported incidents of public disorder during these protests, including physical and verbal confrontations among participants. Authorities have detained several individuals to gather information and clarify events leading to these disturbances.

On January 15, an individual identified as S.K. was sanctioned for using an unregistered vehicle to block a railway track in Bistrica. The police seized the vehicle, which posed a risk to public safety and hindered the operation of rail traffic.

While acknowledging the right of citizens to assemble peacefully, the police have reiterated the necessity of notifying authorities about public gatherings. They emphasized that the exercise of these rights should not infringe upon the rights of others.

The police department stated, “We will assess each request on a case-by-case basis and take appropriate measures depending on the situation on the ground.” They stressed the importance of cooperation with law enforcement to ensure that public roadways remain safe for all, while allowing peaceful assemblies to occur without jeopardizing the rights and safety of others.