Thousands of protestors took to the streets of Montenegro on Sunday, demanding the resignations of Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović and Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić. The demonstrations followed Wednesday's deadly shooting in Cetinje, which claimed the lives of 12 people, including two children.
The protests, held outside the Interior Ministry in Podgorica, echoed the outrage over the recent tragedy. Participants chanted "Resignations" and "Killers," expressing their profound dissatisfaction with the handling of the security situation. A student leader, Milo Perović, implored the authorities to resign, emphasizing their failure to protect the public.
Earlier in the day, a 12-minute period of silence was observed for the victims in Cetinje, where the initial shooting took place. This tragedy marks the second mass shooting in the town within three years, prompting widespread concerns over the escalating violence and the efficacy of security measures. Residents and activists feel that police response has been inadequate, citing concerns over inadequacies in security measures since the previous massacre.
The Wednesday shooting stemmed from a bar brawl. The assailant, Aco Martinović, a 45-year-old local man, returned to the bar after procuring a weapon, fatally shooting four people inside and eight more at various locations before taking his own life. His victims were primarily friends and family.
The incident ignited concerns about gun violence in Montenegro. Political divisions further exacerbate the situation. The government, acknowledging the need for stronger measures, swiftly announced a new, stricter gun control law. Sunday's actions also included police raids that seized approximately 20 weapons, more than 500 rounds of ammunition, and explosives.
Protesters called for a "demilitarization" of the population through stricter gun control measures, including high taxes on gun ownership and a moratorium on new licenses while existing licenses are reviewed under rigorous standards.
The 2022 massacre in Cetinje saw 10 deaths, including two children, before the perpetrator was killed by a bystander. Protest organizer Maja Gardašević questioned the repeated tragedies, demanding accountability and resignations from those in power.
These escalating protests underscore the deep public dissatisfaction with the perceived failure of the security apparatus to prevent these tragic events. The situation remains fraught with tension and the call for action is significant.
