The Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica has concluded that there are no grounds for criminal prosecution against Mladen Mikijelj, the executive director of the Public Company for Coastal Zone Management, or any other individuals involved in the purchase of the ferry Prizna.

This information comes from a letter sent by the prosecutor’s office to Mikijelj, which “Vijesti” has accessed, stating that the case has been archived.

The case was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office by the Special State Prosecutor’s Office after media allegations emerged regarding Mikijelj’s purchase of the aging ferry Prizna for 570 thousand euros, purportedly causing financial harm to the state-owned enterprise.

Mikijelj informed “Vijesti” that he is seriously contemplating a private lawsuit against those who have falsely accused him and the public company he manages, engaging in insinuations, insults, and threats surrounding this matter.

He claims these accusations are part of a broader campaign initiated by the godfather of Milo Đukanović.

“I am not surprised by Ban, who paid the state 200,000 euros a year and profited millions; rather, I am astonished by the regime’s servants who believed that after August 30, they could continue exploiting citizens of Montenegro for their benefit. They thought their attacks and false reports could intimidate us, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Today, the truth has prevailed, proving that our efforts to strengthen the budget and diminish the influence of former regime tycoons have been successful. The satisfaction from this conclusion, along with the recent session of the Budva Municipal Assembly, lies in how my family and I triumphed over a coalition of tycoons supported by DPS and Nikola Jovanović’s group, who will face repercussions for their misinformation and insults, particularly during the last Budva election campaign,” said Mikijelj.

The PR department of JP Morsko dobro informed “Vijesti” that it has been nearly two years since Morsko dobro canceled its contract with Maritime Transport and took over the ferry line.

“Throughout this period, Morsko dobro endured an unprecedented smear campaign, facing unjust condemnations and extensive media battles where public figures and politicians misjudged Morsko dobro and its management concerning ferry procurement. The level of manipulation was so severe that almost no one—except for those involved in the procurement process at Morsko dobro—believed the law was adhered to without corruption or state damage,” the company asserted.

The PR department also released a letter from the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office, which addressed a case initiated by a complaint from the Special State Prosecutor’s Office regarding the purchase of the Prizna ferry (August 30).

“It has been established that the false and fabricated criminal report was dismissed, and the State Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that there are no bases for initiating criminal prosecution against anyone for any offense, leading to the archival of the case under official note Ktr.br. 596/24 dated 23.12.2024. Additionally, the Commercial Court of Montenegro, in deciding on a proposal for a temporary measure submitted by the company Pomorski saobraćaj, ultimately found in favor of Morsko dobro, rejecting the proposal. Similarly, proceedings initiated by Pomorski saobraćaj against Morsko dobro at the Chamber of Commerce’s Court of Honor concluded with a ruling clearing Morsko dobro from any liability concerning business ethics violations,” the PR team highlighted.

These determinations from the prosecutor’s office and courts affirm that Morsko dobro operated in full compliance with legal standards and properly assumed control of the ferry line, which now yields over sixteen million euros in revenue and nine million euros annually, compared to the approximately 180,000 euros generated under Maritime Traffic.

“Thus, we not only ensured the lawful functioning of the Kamenari-Lepetane ferry line but also established one of the most lucrative operations in the last three decades for the state. As we have done with the ferries, we aim to replicate this success with bathing areas and temporary facilities, breaking monopolies on these critical resources and ensuring they are valued properly, thus providing the coastal zone with the quality and investment it deserves. We now have confirmation that all our actions adhered to the law and served the interests of the state, raising questions about the motives of those who previously attacked us. If they genuinely believed their claims and had no malicious intent, they should feel a heightened sense of shame following this verdict, prompting at least a public apology to us,” concluded the company.

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