A recent mass shooting in Montenegro has prompted the government to take immediate action on gun control reforms. Following the tragic event in Cetinje, where a gunman killed 12 people, including two children, the National Security Council convened to discuss new measures aimed at curbing illegal firearms in the country.
Key Takeaways
- A mass shooting in Cetinje resulted in 12 fatalities, including two children.
- The Montenegrin government is proposing strict new gun control laws.
- Citizens will have a two-month period to surrender illegal weapons without penalty.
- The shooting has raised concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing such tragedies.
Overview of the Shooting Incident
On January 1, 2025, a gunman identified as Aco Martinović opened fire in multiple locations in Cetinje, resulting in one of the deadliest shootings in Montenegro’s history. The attack left 12 people dead and four others injured. Martinović, who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, reportedly used an illegal 9 mm firearm during the rampage.
The victims included family members and friends of the shooter, highlighting the personal nature of this tragedy. The police found numerous shell casings and additional ammunition at the scene, indicating the severity of the attack.
Government Response
In response to the shooting, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced a series of stringent measures aimed at controlling gun ownership in Montenegro. Key elements of the proposed reforms include:
- Mandatory Reverification of Weapons Licenses: All existing gun licenses will be subject to new security and psychological evaluations.
- Severe Penalties for Illegal Weapons: Individuals found in possession of illegal firearms after a two-month grace period will face harsh penalties, including imprisonment.
- Anonymous Reporting System: Citizens will be encouraged to report illegal weapons possession through an anonymous tip line, with rewards for information leading to confiscation.
Public Outcry and Protests
The shooting has sparked widespread outrage among the Montenegrin public. Hundreds gathered outside government buildings in Podgorica, demanding accountability from security officials and calling for resignations. Many citizens expressed their frustration over the government’s failure to prevent such incidents, especially following a similar massacre in August 2022 that claimed 10 lives.
Mira Škorić, a retiree from Podgorica, voiced the sentiments of many when she stated, "We failed as a society. We failed as people too." The public’s anger reflects a growing concern about the level of violence in Montenegrin society and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
The Need for Change
Human rights organizations have called for a thorough examination of the security system in Montenegro, questioning what measures have been implemented since the previous shooting in 2022. The lack of a robust police presence in Cetinje, despite its history of violence, has raised alarms about the preparedness of law enforcement to handle such crises.
As Montenegro grapples with its gun culture, which ranks among the highest in Europe, the government faces the challenge of balancing citizens’ rights to bear arms with the urgent need for public safety. The proposed reforms mark a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal firearms and preventing future tragedies.
In the wake of this devastating event, Montenegro stands at a crossroads, with the potential for meaningful change in its approach to gun control and public safety.
Sources
- Montenegro to tackle gun control after mass killing left 12 dead, AP News.
- Montenegro Cracks Down On Guns After New Year’s Massacre, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
