Following a tragic mass shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro, thousands gathered to express their discontent with the country’s top security officials, demanding their resignations for failing to prevent the incident that resulted in 12 deaths.
In a powerful demonstration of civic unrest, citizens of Montenegro took to the streets in protest after a harrowing shooting incident in Cetinje left 12 dead, including two children. The rally, held outside the Interior Ministry in Podgorica, saw participants calling for the resignation of Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović and Deputy Prime Minister for Security and Defense Aleksa Bečić, whom they hold responsible for the apparent security failures.
Milo Perović, representing a student-led organization instrumental in organizing the protest, voiced the crowd’s anger by emphasizing the officials’ failure to protect the people. ‘You failed to protect us, so resign!’ Perović declared to the crowd, echoing the sentiments of many Montenegrins frustrated by the perceived inaction of their government.
Earlier that day, in Cetinje, hundreds observed 12 minutes of silence to honor the victims of the massacre. This marked the second instance of such violence in the town within three years, bringing to light the persistent concerns regarding security measures. Many residents have criticized the police for mishandling the situation, believing that more could have been done following a previous massacre in August 2022.
The tragic event unfolded following a bar altercation, where a 45-year-old man named Aco Martinović retrieved a gun and went on a shooting spree, claiming victims at multiple locations before taking his own life. Questions have arisen regarding the preparedness of state institutions to address societal violence and gun control, as Martinović had prior convictions for violent behavior and illegal weapons possession.
Authorities have claimed that the shooting was unpredictable and inevitable; however, this has not eased public fears. In response, the government has proposed stricter gun laws and launched operations leading to the confiscation of weapons and ammunitions across Montenegro, seizing 20 weapons and over 500 rounds of ammunition.
Amidst the tension, protesters demanded ‘demilitarization’ through the destruction of illegal weapons, high taxes on gun ownership, and a moratorium on new gun licenses pending a thorough review under stringent criteria. The previous 2022 massacre saw another gunman, who killed ten people before being stopped by a passerby, further fueling the public’s outcry for change.
Protestor Maja Gardašević vocalized the community’s frustration at the rally in Cetinje, asking critical questions about the frequency of such tragic events and the accountability of officials, questioning why resignations have not occurred despite the evident lapses in security.
The protests in Montenegro reflect a deep-seated discontent with the current security measures and an urgent call for accountability and reform. As citizens push for change, the government faces increasing pressure to address the underlying issues of violence and gun control in the country.
Source: News4jax
