At the opening of a roundtable at Villa “Gorica,” the President of the Parliament of Montenegro, Andrija Mandić, announced the initiation of a series of measures aimed at addressing the pressing issues that have proliferated since the 1990s. The discussion centered around the “Initiative to declare criminal clans as terrorist organizations.”

During the discussion, Mandić’s advisor, Gordana Đuračić, emphasized the event’s goal: to unite relevant institutions, experts, and policymakers to evaluate how to combat organized crime by classifying it as a form of terrorism. The initiative aspires to bolster societal security and stability in alignment with international standards and best practices.

Mandić asserted that the time has come to declare “enough” and that Montenegro must not allow itself to be held captive by criminal activities.

He expressed that this is the pivotal moment for a determined battle aimed at restoring the country.

According to Mandić, it is currently challenging to find judges willing to convict dangerous offenders.

He highlighted the urgency of preventing clans from obstructing justice through abductions, killings, and extortion.

He noted that his proposition to designate organized crime groups as terrorist organizations has garnered significant backing.

The Assembly President stressed the necessity for the Special State Prosecutor’s Office and the Special Police Department to commence operations in the old Government building promptly.

He pointed out that while the concept of labeling organized crime groups as terrorist organizations was first introduced globally by U.S. President Donald Trump, it has been on the agenda in Montenegro for quite some time, notably promoted by the former Democratic Front, particularly by one of its leaders, Nebojša Medojević.

Božović: Many courageous judges exist

Justice Minister Bojan Božović declared that his ministry has initiated discussions regarding a cooperation agreement with the U.S. to enhance collaboration further.

He expressed confidence in the existence of many bold judges prepared to make tough rulings.

Božović indicated potential legal amendments aimed at improving procedural discipline in courtrooms and addressing criminal policy surrounding illegal weapon possession.

He remarked that the discussions about the prison in Mojkovac should be concluded and resources redirected to expand the prison’s facilities in Spuž.

He promised a definitive decision on this matter soon, emphasizing that the Mojkovac facility poses security challenges and that the area should be developed for tourism rather than be designated as a prison.

Minister Božović stated that his department is open to exploring all possible models to determine the best approach for establishing cooperation.

“We have commenced a bold process, facing limitations from two fronts: the declaration of a state of emergency and the fight against organized crime and corruption… We require widespread social backing,” he asserted.

Medojević: Radical actions needed, state of emergency must be declared

Nebojša Medojević, the leader of the Movement for Change, stated that as early as 2015, the Democratic Front recognized the political underpinnings of organized crime in Montenegro, tied closely to the offices of the President and Government.

“Their political and ideological roots classify them as terrorist groups,” he noted.

He elaborated that individuals who facilitate criminal operations and eliminate evidence assume the roles of ideological leaders in political contexts…

He compared the situation to Italy, where the mafia’s infiltration of law enforcement is seen as a success, and remarked that in Montenegro, the former regime birthed the existing mafia.

Only “shock therapy,” he argued, could free the country from the grips of drug cartels.

Medojević called for legal revisions to facilitate more effective operational activities aimed at detecting and preventing criminal acts.

He acknowledged that in the short term, certain rights of criminals may be overridden, which may put pressure on decision-makers, hence the necessity for radical reform.

He equated organized crime to cancer, underscoring the need for decisive action.

Medojević suggested that organized crime groups still exert influence through the opposition, advocating for the ban of the Democratic Party of Socialists, branding it “the political arm of organized crime.”

“We’ve allowed our drug cartels to operate their own media outlets and communicate with their members in Spuž without intervention… Because since August 30th, we failed to take radical measures,” he remarked, noting that foreign partners are aware of these developments.

“Implementing these changes is impossible without declaring a state of emergency,” he asserted.

Medojević emphasized that the fight against organized crime represents the highest form of patriotism.

“During my recent attendance at a security conference in Istanbul, I was appalled by the government’s choice to represent our country… My life continues to be jeopardized due to threats from certain individuals within the security sector,” he stated.

He maintained that if the security apparatus includes agents of organized crime, no efforts would succeed without implementing radical measures.

Medojević acknowledged the difficult nature of this task, asserting the need for a state of emergency.

“The criminal organizations have established their own media, banking systems, and construction firms… The police no longer invoke fear; instead, it is the mafia that intimidates law enforcement officials or they work in close quarters with known criminals,” he conveyed.

“I have supported mass arrests and the declaration of a state of emergency, yet did not receive backing for such actions,” Medojević lamented, stating that following the arrests of two Police Directorate heads and various prosecutors, only radical measures might prove effective.

Laković: Radical measures only if existing legal avenues fail

Miodrag Laković, a member of the Europe Now Movement and Chair of the Security and Defense Committee, expressed his disbelief at Medojević’s lack of regard for human rights.

“I appreciate your willingness as part of the Security Council to combat organized crime in this manner,” Laković acknowledged, remarking on the significant journey from intention to implementation.

Laković highlighted the lag in employing modern technologies for intercepting communications, emphasizing that communications are “nearly the backbone” of organized crime.

He added that the forthcoming law on asset confiscation gained through criminal activity will bolster the fight against crime, and that radical measures should only be taken if existing legal provisions do not yield results.

Vučurović: Uncertainty around the source of criticism against Mandić

New Serbian Democracy MP Jovan Vučurović stated that ten years later, it is unfortunate that the Democratic Front’s predictions in 2015 were confirmed, lacking government support.

He expressed optimism that Montenegro will prevail in this battle, offering his unwavering support to the security forces taking the lead.

Vučurović mentioned that Mandić’s initiative faced immediate backlash from critics, speculating on whether their criticisms stemmed from personal beliefs or potential impacts on those likely affected by the measures.

“Upon Mandić’s proposal, responses were often vague, and it remains unclear if critics spoke for themselves or those potentially influenced by these actions,” Vučurović remarked, adding that the judiciary itself has become “a cancerous wound” while agreeing with Minister Božović regarding the presence of judges willing to deliver just outcomes.

“However, it is disconcerting that no drug cartel has faced conviction,” he commented.

He stated that there is no example of a police drug cartel in any other nation.

He indicated that members of the drug cartel plotted to overthrow the government after August 30, 2020, and even contemplated the assassination of an MP.

Nedović: The government must demonstrate resolve

Europe Now MP Jelena Nedović asserted the necessity for the government to exhibit its strength, focusing on judicial and police action, including asset confiscation and utilizing advanced technologies.

“Examining the progress of Montenegro against other countries, it’s apparent that other nations are investing in artificial intelligence,” she stated, highlighting the critical role of technology in investigations.

“The success of combating drug cartels relies on a comprehensive approach that incorporates all the aforementioned measures,” she noted, citing El Salvador’s significant anti-organized crime campaign began in 2020.

“Although this has drawn criticism regarding human rights, I would personally support that framework,” she continued…

“Although it was a form of justice, it was arguably excessive. In light of Montenegro’s circumstances and the political influence exerted on parts of the opposition, a careful balance must be struck,” Nedović concluded.

Gogić endorses Mandić’s proposal: Human rights violations are imminent

Former President of the Constitutional Court Milorad Gogić expressed his support for the Parliament President’s initiative, stressing the importance of enshrining the crime of political interference regarding organized crime into national law.

He pointed out that Montenegro still lacks a legal definition of a drug cartel.

He asserted, “Solutions exist for all challenges,” while discussing the threats posed by drug abuse.

He praised the concept, noting that while the path to realizing specific provisions may be arduous and protracted, the potential infringement of human rights must be weighed against the threats posed by terrorist organizations.

Goranović: The government and Spajić are resolute in fighting crime

Todor Goranović, Security Advisor to Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, stated that in the 2019 strategy, terrorism was identified as a threat, albeit at a low level.

He affirmed the government and Prime Minister Spajić’s unwavering commitment to combatting crime and assured that Mandić’s initiative would receive support.

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