The Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM) announced that it expresses deep concern about last night's events in Podgorica and the way they are being discussed in the public space, which may contribute to social divisions and an atmosphere of lynching.
They added that they wish the injured citizen a speedy recovery and expect the competent authorities to fully shed light on the circumstances of the incident.
"An individual incident must not become an excuse for transferring collective guilt or for inciting institutional xenophobia towards foreign citizens living and working in Montenegro. The majority of foreigners in Montenegro live peacefully, respect the law and contribute to the development of our community. It is unacceptable that their sense of security is undermined due to individual incidents. CEDEM calls on state authorities to contribute to calming the situation by responding on the ground, but also through their communication, and not to further aggravating it," reads a statement from CEDEM signed by director Nevenka Vuksanović.
They also said that they also remind that strategic decisions, such as changes to the visa regime or business rules, cannot be made under the pressure of current events, but exclusively through responsible processes and in accordance with international standards.
"We call on the competent institutions and state officials to visit the injured Turkish citizens, provide them with support and make it clear that there is no place in Montenegro for violence, discrimination and collective labeling of any nation. Montenegro must remain a space in which respect, dialogue and the coexistence of all people residing in it are fostered," the CEDEM statement concludes.
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