The Police Directorate has refuted allegations made by Aleksandar Damjanović, the president of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Montenegrin Cultural Network (CKM). He claimed today that the Budva police filmed him without his consent or prior notification while he was at the Budva Security Department (OB).

Below is the full statement from the Police Directorate:

“In response to the public statements made by Aleksandar Damjanović regarding the supposed illegal use of video surveillance at the Budva Security Department, the Police Directorate clarifies:

The video surveillance system at the Budva Security Department has been installed for preventive purposes, adhering to CPT standards, with the goal of enhancing the safety of both citizens and police officers, as well as safeguarding the integrity of official spaces, all in line with relevant legal regulations and the recommendations from the Agency for Personal Data Protection and Free Access to Information. Consequently, video surveillance only covers areas as legally prescribed, including detention rooms, communal areas within the facility (entrance, hallways, corridors), and public spaces around the facility within regulatory limits. Notices about the presence of video surveillance are prominently displayed in these areas as mandated by law.

We would like to stress that the video surveillance system does not have audio recording capabilities. Therefore, the claims regarding illegal audio recording at the Budva Security Department are erroneous and unfounded.

Regarding the events of December 23, 2024, when Aleksandar Damjanović was present in the official premises of the Budva Security Department as a citizen, it should be noted that he was in a hallway covered by video surveillance, as per legal standards, which does not include audio recording. Additionally, he was in an official room utilized by authorized personnel for information collection, which is not subject to video surveillance.

Furthermore, access to recorded footage is exclusively granted to authorized officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs – Department for Electronic Police Systems.

Thus, the Police Directorate highlights the importance of reviewing facts and the legal framework within which police officers operate, to prevent possible misinterpretations about their work.

At this time, we urge the Agency for Personal Data Protection and Free Access to Information to promptly respond to requests from the Police Directorate to remove surveillance cameras operated by individuals who, in violation of the law, record public spaces in Cetinje, the Belveder settlement, Kotor, and multiple locations in Bar. Certain individuals, including those of operational interest and members of organized crime groups, are illegally surveilling public areas, tracking local services and law enforcement activities, conducting counter-surveillance, and recording citizens without authorization, thereby infringing on human rights. The Agency has been informed multiple times by the Police Directorate via official correspondence to take appropriate measures within their purview,” concludes the response.

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