Local Official Criticizes Police Response to Protests in Botun

Residents of Botun and Zeta are justified in their opposition to the construction of a collector system, according to Jovan Vučurović, a representative of the Nova srpska demokratija (NSD). He criticized the police intervention during protests in December 2023, calling it unnecessary.

Vučurović expressed strong empathy for the community, emphasizing their right to voice concerns over health and environmental issues. “It is essential to listen to their voices,” he stated during an appearance on the Aplus television program “Minula neđelja.” He highlighted the importance of the referendum, which he believes should not be minimized despite differing opinions on the subject.

He acknowledged the roles of both the government and Saša Mujović, the Mayor of Podgorica, in advocating for the collector’s construction. However, he argued there is a pressing need for more dialogue with the residents. “We need to explore additional arguments to facilitate better discussions with the locals,” Vučurović noted.

Support for the residents has also come from local NSD officials, including Aleksandar Marković, the Deputy Mayor of Zeta, and Miroslav Brajović, President of the NSD Municipal Committee in Zeta. Vučurović reassured the community that their concerns are being taken seriously and that their protests have remained within the bounds of democratic expression.

Vučurović countered claims that the residents had overreacted with their protests, describing their actions as appropriate and necessary. He maintained that the recent demonstrations outside the main city building in Podgorica were also a legitimate exercise of their democratic rights.

He characterized Mujović’s stance on the project as “somewhat rigid,” suggesting that a more flexible approach could lead to a resolution. “Every hasty decision or political rigidity is not beneficial for Podgorica,” he stated.

When asked about the police’s response to the protests, Vučurović reiterated that their actions were unwarranted. “The police should not have intervened; it was a legitimate democratic protest. I believe that all issues could have been resolved through dialogue, and I still think there is an opportunity for that,” he concluded.

As discussions surrounding the collector project continue, the NSD remains committed to supporting the residents of Botun and Zeta in their quest for a solution that prioritizes their health and environment.