DPS Nikšić Councilors' Club: Kovačević sentenced with final verdict, PES and Democrats to launch initiative for dismissal

The decision of the Higher Court for Minor Offences, which finally found Marko Kovačević guilty of hate speech, represents yet another confirmation of what the DPS has long been warning about, that behind the supposedly European and conciliatory faces lies a dangerous policy of division, hatred and targeting of dissenters.

This was announced by the Club of Councilors of the Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) Nikšić.

They told the councilors of the Europe Now Movement (PES) and the Democrats that they expect an initiative to remove Kovačević.

"However, we believe that a fine of 2.000 euros is disproportionately mild in relation to the gravity of the words spoken and the consequences they can have in society. When the president of a municipality publicly announces that he will treat political opponents "like Turks", then this is not political folklore, a clumsy statement or a historical metaphor, but a message that carries elements of intimidation, incitement to intolerance and deepening social divisions. Therefore, the question remains open why this case did not receive a criminal epilogue?!", the statement of the DPS Nikšić councilors' club states.

They add that if such statements by public officials are not enough of an alarm for the most decisive reaction from institutions, the question arises as to what is.

"It is particularly devastating that Kovačević first claimed that he was taken out of context, that he did not mean it that way, that the media misinterpreted his statement, and after the court decision, he does not show even the slightest remorse, but instead attacks the court and tries to present himself as a victim of political persecution. This further confirms that he is not worthy of the position he holds and that he is not capable of representing all the citizens of Nikšić," it states.

The DPS Councilors' Club also said that the fact that the president of the largest Montenegrin municipality has been legally punished for hate speech represents an unprecedented shame for the institution he leads, but also a heavy burden for those political structures that have been defending, justifying and promoting him for years.

"DPS expects Marko Kovačević to resign without delay. If he does not do so, the responsibility will shift to his coalition partners who will have to explain to citizens why they believe that a person punished for hate speech can remain in office as mayor without hindrance. Anyone who spreads intolerance, and Marko Kovačević has been doing so for many years, must bear not only misdemeanor and criminal, but also political responsibility," it states.

They said they were waiting for PES' reaction and their concrete move, or they would, like every time, stick to a rotten demagogic story, because in essence, what matters are the seats and they are the only measure of what is right.

"We also recall the words of the representative of the Democrats, the then president of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly, Nemanja Vuković, who, regarding our initiative to dismiss Kovačević, said that he was waiting for the court's decision. Gentlemen from the Democrats and PES, you have the court's decision, so we are waiting for the initiative to dismiss Kovačević. Let's see if what was promised has been done," it concludes.