HRA: The issue of the responsibility of those who were responsible for warning the residents of Murino of the danger was never raised

The issue of the responsibility of those who were responsible for warning the residents of Murin of the danger has never been raised, the Human Rights Action (HRA) announced today on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the NATO bombing of Murin.

"Today marks the 26th anniversary of the NATO bombing of the bridge in the small town of Murino, in northern Montenegro. On that occasion, six civilians were killed, including three children: Miroslav Knežević (14), Olivera Maksimović (13), Julija Brudar (11), Vukić Vuletić (46), Milka Kočanović (69) and Manojlo Komatina (72). Eight people were injured. In addition to the bridge, other civilian facilities were also damaged on April 30, 1999, such as a shop and a cultural center. There were no sirens or any other warning of danger, which was confirmed by a final court decision," the HRA statement said.

The NGO added that the affected families "sue Montenegro for compensation because no one warned them of the danger of bombing, even though NATO informed the authorities about the planned targets."

"The Supreme Court of Montenegro has prevented the payment of compensation for victims, citing the statute of limitations on claims, since criminal proceedings have never been conducted against those responsible for the failure to inform citizens. In the first case in which it was decided, the court took the position that civil courts may not determine whether the damage occurred as a result of a criminal offense for the purposes of applying a longer statute of limitations. This unfoundedly concluded that the Komatina family was not entitled to previously paid compensation, while the claims of other families were dismissed as time-barred," the statement reads.

HRA said that this year there was an important achievement in realizing victims' rights to reparations.

"After more than two decades, the victims of the NATO bombing in Murino and their families have been recognized as civilian victims of war by amending the Law on Veterans and Disability Protection. Last Friday, the Government also made a decision to pay one-time compensation in the amount of 100.000 euros each to the families of the victims, which represents significant steps towards recognizing responsibility for years of injustice. As this Government decision relates to compensation for denied social benefits, we point out that the families have not been compensated for the pain they have suffered due to the loss of their loved ones, nor has the issue of the responsibility of those who were responsible for warning the residents of Murino of the impending danger ever been raised. We expect Montenegro to address these issues in the future," HRA said.

They stated that their representatives are attending a memorial gathering today at the memorial in Murino, organized by the Diocese of Budimlje-Niksic, families of victims of NATO crimes, the Murino Local Community, the Society of Serbian Hosts of Montenegro, and the Serbian National Council of Montenegro.