Lutovac: The truth, supported by facts, is diametrically opposed to Metodije's claims

The President of the Municipality of Berane, Đole Lutovac, announced today that the truth, supported by facts, is diametrically opposed to the claims of Metropolitan Metodije of Budimlje-Niksic.

Metodije yesterday accused Lutovac of being most responsible for everything that happened on the Dobrašinović family estate in Gornji Zaostar in Berane, where a monument to Pavle Đurišić, a war criminal known for his collaboration with the occupiers and massacres of civilians, was erected.

In today's statement, submitted by the Europe Now Movement (PES), of which he is a member, Lutovac stated that on August 7th, at around 11 am, he received information that a monument to Pavle Đurišić had been erected in the village of Gornji Zaostar, to which, he added, as the mayor of the municipality, he immediately reacted with a statement.

"On the order of the Minister of Culture and Media, the competent inspector went to the field and established the factual situation in the afternoon. The Municipality of Berane and I personally, as the responsible person, were handed a record and a decision that obliged us to remove the monument as an urgent procedure, immediately, and no later than three days, in accordance with the Law on Memorials. As a responsible local government, we immediately initiated the procedure in order to fulfill all the prerequisites for the removal of the monument. Taking into account the complexity of the situation - the engagement of several local and state services, informing other institutions and coordinating with security services due to information that persons potentially connected to services from the region were present at the location - the conditions were created to go to the scene ten hours after the decision was made, i.e. around two hours after midnight the next day," said Lutovac.

He said that upon arrival, they found citizens gathered who knew about their arrival and were waiting for them to express their opposition to the removal of the monument.

"The conversation with them was conducted in a calm atmosphere, without raised tones, let alone tensions. I asked the priests, Father Milenko Ralević, Father Miloš Mizić and several other people, together with Mayor Babović and Commander Delević, to separate ourselves from the crowd and discuss a solution to the problem. On that occasion, we were told that in a few hours, Metropolitan Metodije would be celebrating the liturgy in a nearby church, and that those present would act in accordance with his position - whether the monument was removed or left. We clearly emphasized that we live in a secular state, that laws must be respected and that their implementation cannot depend on anyone's word or position - regardless of whether it comes from a religious leader, the mayor or a third party," said Lutovac.

The President of the Municipality of Berane said that after consultations with colleagues from the Berane Security Department, he assessed that the citizens would not withdraw voluntarily and that the removal of the monument would only be possible with the use of force.

"I rejected that as an option, not wanting to use force against the crowd or their property. I told the citizens that within 12 hours, or by 15 pm the next day, they must clear access to the monument so that the services could access and implement a solution. They understood and accepted my intention to calm tensions, and then decided to remove the monument themselves. Therefore, as Metropolitan Metodije stated, I consider myself most responsible for the events that night in Gornji Zaostar - precisely because I calmed tensions, did not allow the use of force, protected both the crowd and the officials, avoided new arrests, criminal charges, dozens of indictments and fraternal conflicts and escalation. The truth, supported by these facts, is diametrically opposed to Metropolitan Metodije's claims. I am ready to confirm this both on a polygraph test and in court, if necessary," Lutovac said.

According to him, unlike Metodije, priests Miloš Mizić and Milenko Ralević showed constructiveness and responsibility.

"I would like to especially highlight the priest Ralević, who contributed to calming tensions with his behavior, which I personally acknowledged to him and which I am ready to testify to wherever necessary. After the event, out of a human and moral obligation, I also made contact with the family of the arrested Dobrašinović, wishing to express my concern for his health and well-being. The life and health of every person must be protected. At the same time, the laws of the state must be respected, and institutions are obliged to implement them fairly and impartially. My sincere concern is also confirmed by the statement of the Dobrašinović family given to the media, before the Basic Court in Berane, in which they stated that in their conversation with me they found understanding even though I condemned the erection of the monument," said Lutovac.

He also said that the mention of Ivan Radević in this context is also unfounded.

"At my request, as the director of a municipal company, he provided the machine necessary to execute the decision and nothing more. Unfortunately, individuals used the removal of the illegally erected monument for a political showdown with state and local authorities. It is particularly problematic that an attempt is being made to impose an untrue narrative that Serbs are being arrested across Montenegro for the removal of monuments. As the president of the Municipality of Berane, I am clearly sending out a message that I am not arresting anyone - that is not my jurisdiction or motive. We live in a small community, we know each other well and the people clearly recognize sincere intentions. My attitude towards citizens, laws and respect for the legal order has been and remains guided by responsibility and honesty. The goal of such statements is clear to me, and it is also clear to the people," said Lutovac.

He also said that he remains calm in the face of everything that has happened.

"I saved the people and at the same time acted according to the law. In my heart and spirit, I remain faithful to Christian principles - relying on prayer and the truth that Christ brings. In the spirit of love and forgiveness, I respect everyone, believing that justice stems from sincere faith and love. I also believe that the day will come when truth will unite people, because only through peace, which we, as responsible leadership, have preserved, can we move forward. And time is a masterful sieve, it will show everything," said Lutovac.