The informal civic association of free citizens - STEGA - announced that "the prosecution of 35 free citizens represents an unacceptable attack on basic human rights."
STEG announced that their extraordinary editorial board meeting was held tonight, at which the "scandalous attitude of the police towards 35 citizens" was noted during the protest in early July in front of Vila Gorica during the July Thirteenth Award ceremony.
The statement states that the citizens at the protest wanted to freely express their protest "against the shameful decision to award the highest state recognition, the Thirteenth of July Award."
"Even despite the fact that the Basic State Prosecutor's Office, as reported in the media after reviewing the list of cases, stated that there was no element of a criminal offense in the actions of the identified persons, the police continue to persecute citizens. The prosecution of 35 free citizens represents an unacceptable attack on basic human rights. Such a demonstration of force is intimidation of the public and a brutal violation of citizens' rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of opinion," the statement reads.
They add that "a large number of alarmed citizens" have contacted them regarding the Police Directorate's announcement, and that they have promised them legal assistance, especially for those who were forced to request admission to the Emergency Unit of the KBC after the police intervention.
"At the meeting of the heads of STEGA editorial offices, it was highlighted that the police statement appeared at the very moment when STEGA announced preparations to mark December 19th in Gorica in the spirit of its anti-fascist activities and invite citizens to celebrate the day when Montenegrin partisans expelled fascists, domestic traitors and collaborators who were in the service of the occupiers. Therefore, the question remains whether this is sending a message to the entire Montenegrin public that it is unacceptable in Montenegro to protest against the destruction of the dignity of one's own state, awarding prizes for a non-existent book, to those who continue the idea of collaborationists and thus desecrate their anti-fascist struggle as true liberators," the statement reads.
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STEG announced that tomorrow they will request an urgent meeting with the head of the EU delegation in Montenegro, Johan Sattler, send a letter to all members of KVINTA and contact all domestic and international organizations in Montenegro, professional associations and NGOs dealing with the protection of human rights and freedoms.
"This act, which we perceive as an act of intimidation, will not stop preparations for the celebration of the Liberation Day of Podgorica on Gorica, with the already iconic slogan 'Consolation, Chetniks, you fled together'," they wrote in a statement.
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