Montenegrin Leaders Condemn Hate Songs During Religious Event

Emina Čolović Kajević, President of the Savez patriota Crne Gore (Union of Patriots of Montenegro) in Germany, has condemned the singing of nationalist songs during a religious event in Podgorica on August 20, 2023. The event, which involved swimming for the “Holy Cross,” featured songs associated with the Chetnik movement, prompting a strong response from Kajević regarding the implications of such actions in contemporary Montenegro.

In a statement shared publicly, Kajević expressed concerns that the atmosphere of hatred in Montenegro has not only developed but has also flourished without any signs of restraint. She described the event as a troubling display of nationalism, stating, “The singing during the event yesterday shows that the thread of hatred in Montenegro has not only developed but has been allowed to thrive to the point of complete shamelessness.” She emphasized her disbelief at the public expression of what she termed as “faith, tradition, and brotherhood,” which she views as a guise for underlying hostility.

The President of the Savez patriota Crne Gore criticized the lack of genuine understanding among the singers, many of whom are not originally from Montenegro. She remarked that these individuals often flee from conflicts in other regions, only to come to Montenegro and dictate the narrative of its identity and existence. “Unfortunately, among those singers, there are few born in Montenegro. Mainly, they are those who settled here on tractors, fleeing from other wars and politics, to explain to us, the Montenegrins, who we are and how much we are allowed to exist in our own country,” she noted.

Kajević encouraged the singers to expand their repertoire, suggesting they might want to include other divisive themes prevalent in the region. “Feel free to sing something like: ‘Oh wire, Srebrenica, Kosovo will reach Užice.’ It is already known what you think; you just have not yet said everything aloud today,” she added.

The event has sparked significant discussion about national identity and the role of historical narratives in contemporary society. Kajević’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding issues of nationalism, identity, and the legacy of past conflicts in the Balkans.

In closing, she remarked that song often reflects the character of those who sing it and those who endorse it. This incident underscores the complexities of cultural expression in Montenegro, raising questions about the balance between tradition and the need for social harmony in a diverse society.