Montenegrin non-governmental organizations and activists, 22 of them, condemned the attack on a vehicle with Split license plates carrying fans from Croatia.
They are saying that such incidents are absolutely unacceptable, that they must be severely punished and that they must not be repeated.
They also said that they do not accept that "ill-wishers are producing and inciting hatred in our country and causing us to quarrel with our neighbors," and that they believe that Montenegro "knows and can do things differently."
"The atmosphere at the match between the national teams of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, when fans of both countries exchanged jokes like 'burek with cheese' and 'they'll call you from the bureau', or with the Croatian national team in Zagreb, when Montenegrin fans held up a bold banner 'Forgive us Dubrovnik', shows that rivalry can be both friendly and dignified and contribute to reconciliation. That must be the case today and in the future," the statement reads.
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They demand the immediate identification and prosecution of the perpetrators of the attack, with transparent information to the public about the course of the proceedings.
"We also demand consistent application of the law and stricter punishment for all hate violence and hate speech, in order to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. We expect more efficient implementation of the announced security measures for all fans, and especially for guests from Croatia in the context of tonight's match."
They appeal to all state authorities, fans, media and politicians to actively contribute to preserving the spirit of sportsmanship.
"Sport should bring people together, not incite hatred," reads the statement signed by:
- Human Rights Action (HRA),
- Spectrum Association
- Center for Civic Education (CGO)
- Center for Women's Rights (CŽP)
- Center for Monitoring and Research (CeMI)
- Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)
- Center for the Development of Non-Governmental Organizations (CRNVO)
- Center for Women's and Peace Education ANIMA
- Montenegrin PEN Center
- Montenegrin Philological Society
- Montenegrin Women's Lobby (CŽL)
- Montenegrin LGBTIQ association Kvir Montenegro
- Ipso facto
- Juventas
- NVO „35mm“
- Open Center “Bona Fide” – Pljevlja
- Prima
- Roma youth organization "Walk with us - Phiren Amenca"
- Safe Women's House (SŽK)
- Association of Disabled Youth of Montenegro (UMHCG)
- Paula Petričević, civic activist
- Milena Bešić, civil activist
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