UP: We will not allow border blockades, earlier approval of rallies enabled attention to be drawn to the problems of transporters

The Police Administration (UP) will not allow border blockades organized by the Association of Transporters of Montenegro from Monday to Friday next week because, as announced by the police, earlier approval of the gatherings enabled public attention to be drawn to the problems of transporters.

The police said that in response to the new application by the Transporters Association announcing public gatherings for the period from April 20 to 24, they will, in accordance with legal authority, issue a decision not allowing the reported public gatherings to be held at the times and locations specified in the application.

"The Police Department, in relation to the previous two approved public gatherings, which included protest drives in freight vehicles through the streets of the Capital City, as well as in relation to the Association's requests, has shown a high degree of tolerance and balance in its actions," the statement said.

As it is added, the earlier approval of the gatherings has already enabled the organizers to achieve the purpose of the public gathering - drawing public attention to the problems of transport operators, which, as the police said, fully meets the European standard of "being seen and heard".

"Given the character, timing and manner of organizing the blockades, which would affect the movement of goods and services, as well as the supply of the economy and citizens, for a longer period of time, the police estimate that such a continuation of the blockades would seriously endanger the rights and freedoms of citizens, as well as the health of people throughout the territory of Montenegro, which would pose a direct risk to the economic and financial stability of the country," the statement said.

The Police Directorate will, as it is added, in this and similar situations take legally prescribed measures and actions against anyone who is found to have acted contrary to the provisions of the Law.

The Police Directorate said that today, after the approved gathering ended at ten o'clock, protest participants in certain locations illegally and illegally continued their protest and blockades of roads.

"Namely, participants in the public gathering in Rožaje, Bijelo Polje and Tuzi attempted to extend the blockades, both for freight and other categories of traffic participants, although this type of protest was not reported to the Police Directorate," the statement said.

The police said that their officers removed the individuals from the scene and allowed traffic to flow freely.

"In order to ensure stable public order, security and the smooth flow of road traffic, police officers in these municipalities, by applying police powers, without the use of force, removed persons who were illegally blocking traffic from all locations and enabled the smooth flow of traffic," the statement added.

The police stated that information about the circumstances of the event was collected from a number of persons in official premises, in order to take further measures and actions in accordance with the Law and in cooperation with the competent prosecutor's offices.

"At other locations where the public gathering of the Transporters' Association was held, the protests ended without disturbing public order," the statement said.