Montenegro is reeling from a devastating mass shooting that claimed 13 lives in Cetinje on New Year’s Day. The incident, which saw a gunman kill multiple people across several locations before taking his own life, has ignited widespread public anger and led to significant protests demanding government accountability and stricter gun control measures. The tragedy has also highlighted concerns about the nation’s high rate of gun ownership and the adequacy of law enforcement responses.
Public Outcry and Demands for Accountability
Thousands of Montenegrins have taken to the streets in protest, expressing outrage over what they perceive as an inadequate government response to the Cetinje massacre. Demonstrators in the capital, Podgorica, have called for the resignations of top security officials, including Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic and Deputy Prime Minister for Security Aleksa Becic. Protesters argue that the systemic failures and alleged irresponsible actions by authorities contributed to the tragedy. Chants of "Resignation," "Your hands are bloody," and "Murderers" echoed through the streets as participants demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
- Key Takeaways:
- Widespread public anger over the government’s response to the Cetinje shooting.
- Demands for the resignation of key security officials.
- Calls for stricter gun control and confiscation of illegal firearms.
- Criticism of law enforcement’s preparedness and response time.
Government Response and Proposed Gun Control Measures
In the wake of the shooting, the Montenegrin government announced a series of new gun-control measures. Following a seven-hour session of the National Security Council, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic revealed proposals that include the reverification of all existing weapons licenses and severe penalties for individuals who fail to surrender illegal firearms within a two-month period. The government also plans to verify hunting clubs and establish an anonymous tip line for reporting illegal weapons possession, with rewards offered for information. These measures aim to address the country’s high rate of gun ownership, estimated to be one of the highest in Europe, with a significant number of both legally and illegally held firearms.
Criticisms of Law Enforcement and Previous Incidents
Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of the police response during the Cetinje shooting, with critics pointing to a perceived lack of preparedness and slow reaction times. Reports indicate that only a limited number of officers were on duty in Cetinje during the incident, and it took several hours for the shooter to be apprehended. This criticism is compounded by the fact that Cetinje experienced a similar mass shooting in August 2022, when ten people were killed. Civil society organizations have called for urgent investigations into the police’s actions and the security measures implemented since the previous tragedy, questioning why the town remained vulnerable.
The Shooter and the Motive
The gunman, identified as 45-year-old Aleksandar Aco Martinovic, reportedly acted impulsively after a bar fight. He allegedly went home to retrieve a firearm and then carried out the attack across multiple locations. While the motive remains unclear, police stated that the victims had close ties to the shooter, including friends, relatives, and godparents. Martinovic died from self-inflicted wounds while being transported to the hospital after being cornered by police. It was also revealed that Martinovic had illegal weapons confiscated in 2022 and had received a prison sentence, which he had appealed.
Broader Context of Gun Culture
Montenegro has a deeply rooted gun culture, and stricter gun controls are expected to face some opposition. The Western Balkans region, in general, is known to have a high prevalence of firearms, many dating back to conflicts in the 1990s and even earlier. The recent tragedy has intensified the debate surrounding responsible gun ownership and the need for more robust regulations to prevent future mass casualty events.
Sources
- Thousands Rally In Montenegro Demanding Stronger Government Response To Mass Shooting, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- Four Months After Second Mass Shooting in Montenegro, Public Demands Answers, Balkan Insight.
- Montenegro Cracks Down On Guns After New Year’s Massacre, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- Thousands In Montenegro Protest Response To Mass Shooting, Demand Resignations, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- Suspect dies from self-inflicted injuries after killing at least 12 people |
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