Podgorica, Montenegro — Thousands in Montenegro rallied on Sunday amidst growing discontent, calling for key resignations in the government’s security sector after a devastating shooting incident that claimed 12 lives in Cetinje. The protest echoed across the capital as citizens demanded greater accountability and robust action from their leaders, highlighting deep-seated issues surrounding public safety and firearms control.
The protesters, gathered outside the Interior Ministry in Podgorica, chanted “Resignations” and “Killers,” directing their anger toward Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović and Deputy Prime Minister for Security and Defense Aleksa Bečić. They blamed these officials for perceived failures in preventing the violence, emphasizing a recurring pattern of insecurity that has shaken their trust in public institutions.
Earlier that day, hundreds convened in Cetinje to honor the victims with a 12-minute silence, each minute representing a life tragically cut short during the Wednesday attack. The violence reportedly began over a bar brawl, escalating alarmingly when 45-year-old Aco Martinović returned with a firearm, unleashing terror that ended in his own suicide after the killings.
This incident has not only deepened the wounds of a community still reeling from a similar tragedy in 2022 but also intensified scrutiny on Montenegro’s capacity to manage and mitigate such crises. Critics point out the urgent need for better regulatory measures for firearms, as both incidents highlighted the lethal combination of accessible weapons and insufficient oversight.
The current wave of protests also brought forth calls for stricter gun control and a broader demilitarization campaign in Montenegro. Protesters urged for a destruction of illegal weapons, higher taxes on gun ownership, and a stringent reevaluation of existing firearms licenses. These demands align with broader public sentiment favoring more severe actions to curb the proliferation of weapons among civilians.
In response to the outcry, police operations over the weekend resulted in the seizure of about 20 weapons, over 500 rounds of ammunition, and explosives from various locations. These efforts, however, have done little to quell the public’s demand for deep structural changes in how security is managed and maintained.
Maja Gardašević, a protest organizer, voiced a poignant demand for accountability from the gathered officials, questioning the recurrence of such violence in Montenegro and the apparent lack of responsibility. Lazar Šćepanović, a senior police official, described the shooting as one of the gravest tragedies the country has faced, underscoring the shock and severity of the incident.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the shooting, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić called the event a “terrible tragedy,” acknowledging its impact on the nation. The Interior Minister referred to the assailant’s actions as driven by an extreme rage, remarking on the dangers such individuals pose to society.
Looking forward, Montenegrin authorities have signaled plans to introduce stringent laws aimed at curbing illegal weapon possession. These legislative moves, however, come as the community remains wary and skeptical about the effectiveness of policy responses to their safety concerns.
The civic unrest and political upheaval following the Cetinje shooting illustrate the volatile mix of public grief and anger that can precipitate significant political changes. As Montenegro grapples with these security challenges, the resilience and response of its institutions will likely dictate the future stability and safety of its citizens.