Police officers, in the tragic event in Cetinje on August 12, acted in accordance with the law and their powers, announced the Independent Police Union and called on the public not to make premature conclusions and judgments.
"In the previous days, we listened to various analysts, NGO activists, strategists, experts in "general practice" who are simply competing to find more objections to the work of the police and the response to the tragic event in Cetinje," said the Syndicate.
As they stated, if there were omissions, they should definitely be identified, carefully analyzed and their repetition should be prevented.
"Condemning the police in advance, without evidence and before an official investigation, can only be malicious and tendentious," the Syndicate emphasized.
According to them, from the facts available so far and presented by the Police Directorate, it is clear that the police officers on that day acted in accordance with the law and the powers they have.
"In order to speak at all about the job of a police officer, its weight, responsibility and the danger it carries, you first need to 'put on the shoes' of that police officer," the statement said.
The Trade Union said that it is easy to criticize, give opinions and give instructions from a comfortable armchair.
They pointed out that many times policemen for the state and its citizens "put their heads where others wouldn't put their feet".
"It will continue to be so and we do not run away from responsibility. Always and everywhere, citizens can count on the protection of police officers. And the citizens know that, and that's the most important thing for us," the union said.
They recalled that they have been warning for a long time about the very poor state of resources and equipment, that there is a lack of protective equipment, that the material status of police officers is devastating, but, as they stated, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Government and other decision makers did not listen to it.
"Support has only been declarative for years, and the status of the police is getting worse and worse. Is it time for someone to hear us", asked the Trade Union.
They believe that "the brave and selfless reaction of colleagues from the Cetinje Security Department deserves respect and a deep bow".
"Going directly to the gun barrel is not at all easy, but some do not want to admit that, or they simply won't because it is not in their interest," the announcement states.
The union called on the public not to make premature conclusions and judgments, and to wait for the results of the official investigation together, adding that only after that, having all the facts, a serious analysis of the entire event will be possible.
"We hereby send our sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic event in Cetinje, and we wish the injured, including our colleague Ljubiša Maksimović, a speedy and successful recovery," the statement said.
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