Tip: Organizers of mass gatherings showed irresponsibility, police to prevent potential new gatherings

In the situation of an epidemic of an infectious disease, the organizers of all public gatherings conducted in violation of the measures of the National Coordinating Body showed irresponsibility, and the Police Directorate showed considerable tolerance for it, it was concluded at today's session of the Council for Citizen Control of Police Work. In full convocation, that body considered the application of police powers in relation to all public gatherings that were organized before and after the parliamentary elections in Montenegro.

The Council, as announced, expects the Police Administration, regarding the potential continuation of mass public gatherings, regardless of their character, motive and organizer, to "ensure the consistent application of police powers and all valid health regulations and prevent them."

They point out that the Nikšić police acted preventively and legally on August 23, taking into account the orders and measures of the Ministry of Health, and that such action was absent in other situations, which, as the Council adds, indicates that the application of police powers was not consistent.

It was established that, when it comes to public gatherings organized before and after the elections, until the holding of today's session, no complaints or objections have been sent to the civil supervision of the police.

"On the basis of direct monitoring of police actions at public gatherings in Cetinje and Podgorica, the Council assessed that the Police Administration undertook the necessary activities in order not to disturb public order and peace or endanger the integrity and safety of any individual. On the occasion of these events, part of the political addresses raised tensions in the public. In relation to public political-religious gatherings, before the elections, in Podgorica, Berane and Nikšić, and other municipalities, as well as patriotic gatherings, after the parliamentary elections in Cetinje and Podgorica, the Council for Citizen Control of Police Work recognized failure to take all the necessary measures and actions to protect the safety and health of the citizens of Montenegro," the Council announced.

The Council assessed that the security situation in Montenegro, above all from the aspect of citizens' health security, has never been more complex.

"Citizens' safety culture, in the domain of protecting their own health and the health of others, is not appropriate. This threatens the safety of doctors and medical personnel, which further affects the functioning of the health system and the treatment of citizens. Bearing in mind the interests of the nation and the protection of the health of the entire population, the Council expects that the Police Directorate, with regard to the potential continuation of mass public gatherings, regardless of their character, motive and organizer, ensure the consistent application of police powers and all valid health regulations and prevent them," the Council's announcement concludes.