Montenegro Party Condemns Police Action Against Peaceful Protesters

The newly established Crnogorska stranka has condemned what it describes as a politically motivated and repressive operation carried out by the police and prosecutors against peaceful citizens in Montenegro. This statement follows the arrest of 35 individuals who participated in a peaceful protest in Gorica, voicing their dissent against the award of the country’s highest state honor to a figure known for denying anti-fascism and promoting ideologies contrary to Montenegro’s foundational values.

The party emphasized that the issue lies not with the individual receiving the award but with the political implications and divisive ideologies they represent. According to the statement, the only “crime” committed by these citizens was their courage to raise their voices against what they view as the humiliation of Montenegro and a systematic undermining of its statehood, civic identity, and national dignity.

Concerns Over Democratic Values

The actions taken by the authorities have been characterized by the Crnogorska stranka as an outright assault on freedom of expression, the right to protest, and fundamental democratic principles. The party’s statement highlights a troubling trend towards the fascization of state institutions, reflecting broader concerns about the erosion of democratic values in Montenegro.

In light of these events, the Crnogorska stranka is urging citizens to respond with civilized, democratic, and determined opposition against a climate of repression, violence, and the erasure of Montenegrin identity. The party asserts that retreating or submitting to such pressures is not an option. They pointed out that they have previously resisted similar threats in far more challenging historical circumstances and intend to continue this resistance against what they perceive as the instrumentalization of external powers from Belgrade and Moscow.

Call for Unity and Resistance

The message from the Crnogorska stranka is clear: Montenegro must remain a country of free individuals grounded in anti-fascist values and dignity. The party’s leadership insists that the current political climate demands unwavering resolve from the citizens, stating, “We must not yield or be humiliated.”

As tensions rise and the political landscape evolves, the implications of this protest and the subsequent crackdown may resonate deeply within Montenegrin society, prompting discussions about the future of democratic governance and the safeguarding of civil liberties.