The Minister of Defense and Vice-President of the Democrats Dragan Krapović said that it is often not wise for politicians, especially those in power, to enter into polemics with the leaders of non-governmental organizations, but that nevertheless, guided by a deep conviction in the correctness of my views, I will not hesitate to express them, and that the citizens are the ones who need to judge and decide who they believe and where the truth lies.
He stated this in response to the announcement of the director of Action for Humanity, Tee Gorjanc Prelevic, who is said that Krapović's questions were an attempt to divert attention from responsibility.
He pointed out that the protests of citizens, students or anyone, do not represent any problem, and that they respect their right, as well as that they must have a high degree of tolerance for criticism.
"But it is also our right to debunk politically active persons, who represent the interests of the former regime, and hide behind the mask of civil activism. Also, I repeat once again, that it is completely legitimate and natural to protest and demand resignation - this is a feature of every democratic society. There is nothing controversial about that, nothing to condemn. We have nothing to complain about, nor to hold any grudge against any citizen who expresses his views honestly. Our door is always open to the voice of the people, because there is nothing without the people of democracy," Krapović said.
He told Gorjanc Prelevic that his questions are by no means diverting attention, but, I believe, are a very important, essential thing when talking about the leaders of the protest, such as Mrs. Maja Gardašević.
"We were also the opposition and we witnessed great tragedies, like the one that happened in Cetinje in 2022. But you never heard a single word from us, not a single cry of hatred or condemnation, or the exclamation of a "murderer" like we hear today. That's the difference, a huge difference - a difference in humanity, in respect for those who suffer", said Krapović.
He told the director of the HRA that she is again underestimating the citizens.
"Don't try to justify the symbolism of bloody hands and chants of "murderer, murderer" at the protests by saying that it came only from some individuals from the crowd, while the organizers allegedly did not say that. You were present at the rally and saw, like all of Montenegro, Mrs. Gardašević's outfit with red handprints, which were supposed to symbolize our allegedly bloody hands. We know very well where these symbols and messages come from, from which circles and lairs, and I believe that and the citizens of Montenegro recognize this just as clearly, because the citizens are not naive".
He pointed out that he understands the standards of freedom of expression and that they are obliged to bear more of them and have a high degree of sensitivity and tolerance towards criticism, which he affirms.
"However, we accept criticism from citizens, not from those who chant "murderers" at us, while they shout "king" at Milo Đukanović. We did not attach labels to anyone, nor did we try from a position of force to scare anyone from expressing their views. We just called things true. by name, which obviously bothers you, so you try to defend the indefensible to citizens who protest out of a sense of sadness or hopelessness, or for any other reason, after this great tragedy. we don't mind - it's their human, democratic and constitutional right, just as it's our right, but also our obligation, to clean up the mafia from the Army, the Police, and the National Security Agency, as well as from every corner of this country , who shouted at Milo Đukanović, and from Đukanović himself, not to protest because of the mafia in the Police, but because of the dismissal of the mafia from the Police. Well, that's sad," Krapović's statement says.
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