The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro announced tonight that it strongly condemns today's actions by the competent authorities of Serbia "towards Montenegrin director Danilo Marunović, who was brought in for questioning without notice, and was subsequently ordered to leave the territory of Serbia."
"The Embassy of Montenegro in Belgrade, immediately upon learning of this incident, contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and requested an urgent explanation of all the circumstances under which this unacceptable treatment of a Montenegrin citizen and a prominent cultural figure was carried out," the MFA statement said.
The government department added that, through the Embassy in Belgrade, they were in constant communication with the Marunović family, the Montenegrin National Theatre and members of the ensemble who are in Belgrade due to the scheduled performance of the play "The Glembays".
"The Embassy remains ready to provide all necessary support or further assistance. We believe that this treatment of a Montenegrin artist, on the eve of a scheduled public cultural event, represents a gross violation of the basic principles of international cooperation and cultural exchange. Such an act is unacceptable and violates the spirit of good neighborly relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demands an urgent and detailed explanation of this procedure from the institutions of the Republic of Serbia, and expects that all circumstances will be clarified as soon as possible and appropriate steps will be taken to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. Montenegro will continue to protect the rights and dignity of all its citizens abroad, through its diplomatic and consular missions," the MFA statement reads.
Vijesti reported earlier today that Montenegrin director Danilo Marunović was released from the Serbian Security Information Agency (BIA) after questioning, and that he had to leave Serbia immediately.
Another source said that BIA agents would escort Marunović to the border with Montenegro.
Marunović was taken into custody this morning at around nine o'clock for an informational interview at the BIA premises in Belgrade.
Vijesti learned from sources close to theater circles that BIA agents entered Marunović's hotel room, where he was staying for tonight's guest performance of the play "Gospoda Glembajevi", produced by the Montenegrin National Theater (CNP), at the National Theater in Belgrade.
According to the same information, Marunović entered Serbia with his father, actor Slobodan Marunović, without any delay at the border.
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