STEGA Challenges Police Actions Amid Criminal Complaints in Montenegro

The informal civic association of free citizens, STEGA, has publicly stated that it has not received any documentation regarding previously initiated criminal complaints, which media reports suggest have been dismissed. The organization expressed concern over the police’s designation of STEGA with the prefix “NGO,” asserting this is inaccurate and not reflective of its legal status, which the police should be aware of in accordance with their official duties.

STEGA highlighted that instead of conducting an internal review against individuals in civilian clothing who engaged with assembled citizens without proper police identification, the authorities are pursuing charges for excessive and unprofessional use of pepper spray. This incident resulted in injuries to numerous individuals, notably those in their senior years and women. The police have now initiated misdemeanor complaints against as many as 35 citizens of Podgorica nearly five months after the event occurred in Goric.

The timing of these developments raises significant concerns. The information surfaced as STEGA prepared to commemorate the December 19 liberation of their city from fascists and local traitors by partisan units. In response, STEGA convened an urgent meeting of its Editorial Boards and initiated efforts to inform the US embassies and other members of QUINT, as well as the EU delegation in Podgorica.

This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between civic organizations and law enforcement in Montenegro. STEGA’s proactive approach to alert both national and international entities indicates a desire for transparency and accountability in dealings with the police. The organization has called for a thorough investigation into police conduct during the incident and has urged the public to remain informed and vigilant.