The informal student organization “Where Tomorrow?” is calling for accountability and justice for Cetinje, advocating for a safer Montenegro, as announced during a protest held by the group this evening in Podgorica.

The rally, aimed at addressing unmet demands following the tragic incident in Cetinje that resulted in 13 fatalities, commenced with a 13-minute silence in front of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP).

Following the moment of silence, representatives of “Where Tomorrow?” along with citizens marched from the Ministry of Internal Affairs across the Millennium Bridge, where they tied red ribbons, to the King Nikola monument in front of the Parliament.

At the monument, the organizers outlined their demands, and even translated them into Japanese via voice message to ensure Prime Minister Milojko Spajić could comprehend them.

They declared their intention to maintain their protest marches until their demands are addressed.

Itana Dragojević, a representative of “Where Tomorrow?”, expressed gratitude to all participants for uniting in remembrance of the Cetinje tragedy.

“Since our Prime Minister seems to struggle with grasping our requests in Montenegrin-Serbian-Croatian-Bosniak, tonight we’ll reiterate them in his native language – Japanese,” Dragojević stated.

She reiterated their demands for the resignations of Minister of Interior Danilo Šaranović and Deputy Prime Minister for Defense and Security Aleksa Bečić.

The group is also advocating for reforms within the police force, reinstatement of civic education, and greater focus on mental health.

“I hope the Prime Minister will finally understand us,” Dragojević remarked.

She noted that 50 days have elapsed since the Cetinje incident, yet they have received no response from the authorities.

Dragojević emphasized that none of their demands had been met, remarking, “They probably thought we would get tired and give up. The only fatigue we feel is from their empty rhetoric and promises,” she added.

She asserted that the tragedy in question impacts everyone.

“Regrettably, the authorities remain indifferent unless it involves someone close to them. We would undertake this fight for their children, for every citizen, and in honor of our collective suffering,” Dragojević stated.

According to her, the demonstration transcends individual names or political affiliations, focusing instead on the fundamental rights of all individuals.

“We demand the right to live in a secure environment and without fear. Thus, we seek responsibility from those who have failed in their duties. If they cannot fulfill these roles, then perhaps it’s time for a change,” Dragojević concluded.

She urged citizens who are unable or unwilling to participate in protests not to wait until a similar tragedy occurs among their own before they speak out.

“We stand together here, united against this issue. The significant problem lies with us. We demand justice and accountability for Cetinje, for a safer Montenegro. Removal and resignation are necessary,” Dragojević asserted.

Student Milo Perović questioned who was responsible for deploying only nine police officers in Cetinje, who neglected to respond to inquiries from Human Rights Action, and how the perpetrator obtained the weapon, as well as whether an expert examination of the assailant’s phone was conducted.

“We also direct a question to our colleague Luka Stojaković: who ordered him to be placed in solitary confinement? Does it make sense for Šaranović to investigate himself? If there’s another ‘higher authority’ involved in the decision for solitary confinement – who is that person?” Perović inquired.

He conveyed support for his colleague Stojaković and affirmed the necessity to uphold his dignity.

“We, the citizens, feel embarrassed on behalf of our police. It appears that we will need to carry that embarrassment for Montenegro in the coming days,” Perović expressed.

Protesters displayed banners bearing messages such as “Is that chair giving a massage?”, “There is a moral crisis,” “23 lives are not merely a number,” “Montenegro and the suffering of Montenegro,” and “Peace is our goal.”

The protest concluded around 9:20 PM.