The threats against Reis Rifat Fejzić are a dangerous attack on the pillars of civil society and an indicator that our community is deeply polarized and intolerant, said Aleksandra Vuković Kuč, vice president and MP of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS).
"These are threats to all of us who fight for the values of a multiethnic and multireligious society. I call on the Police Directorate to protect the respected leader of the Islamic Community in Montenegro and ensure his safety," she wrote on Iks.
DPS Rožaje: Tensions have reached the danger zone
The Rožaje DPS announced that the attack on Fejzić was "a legitimate sign that social and interfaith tensions have reached the danger zone."
"On behalf of the Municipal Board of DPS Rožaje, we would like to express our most serious concern about the recent events in Podgorica — which include the violent incident in the Zabjelo neighborhood, as well as a chain of threats, hate speech and violence directed at the foreign population and our religious leader, Reis Rifat ef. Fejzić. Over the weekend, protest marches appeared on the streets of Podgorica with calls for 'Turks out' and similar, and cases of vandalism of buildings owned by Turkish citizens were registered. In parallel, threats and insults were sent via social networks towards Reis Rifat ef. Fejzić, which were assessed by state officials as an attack on the personality and dignity of the religious community," the statement reads.
They condemned every form of violence, hate speech, vandalism and collective stigmatization towards any minority or foreign community.
"We emphasize that the attack on Reis Rifat ef. Fejzić – as a religious authority and representative of the Muslim community – is a legitimate sign that social and interfaith tensions have reached a dangerous level," the Rožaje DPS announced.
They called on the competent institutions to: urgently, professionally and impartially investigate all reported cases of violence, threats and hate speech, and clearly and visibly sanction those responsible, in order to send a message that such behavior is unacceptable. They also demand active monitoring and response to content on social networks that calls for violence or spreads hatred - and in cooperation with digital platforms and competent authorities, to take preventive measures to protect the rights and safety of all citizens and residents - regardless of nationality, religion or ethnicity.
They also called on the public to remain calm, not to succumb to provocation, and to "together preserve the social cohesion, multiethnic and multireligious character of Montenegro."
"We emphasize that no security measure – including the possible tightening of immigration procedures – must become an excuse for differential application of the law or for collective punishment of people based on their nationality or religion. Our country has a rich tradition of multiethnic and multireligious coexistence. At a time when we face the challenges of migration, security and social cohesion, it is essential that the state and society together affirm that justice, security and dignity of every individual are respected. We call for an urgent response, transparency and dialogue – and we believe that by acting together we can prevent further escalation and preserve the fundamental values that make us a free and whole society," the statement reads.
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