“I Never Threatened Mekić or Insulted Him; His Comparison to Balijagić is Unacceptable”
Bijelo Polje, Photo: Shutterstock
The President of the Bistrica Local Community Council (MZ), Sakib Čindrak, informed “Vijesti” that it is completely false that he issued death threats or hurled insults at NGO activist Almer Mekić. He stated that Mekić’s report filed against him yesterday is baseless and highly misleading.
Čindrak clarified that, at the request of several local residents, he reached out to Mekić to convey that the citizens were against installing benches by the Bistrica, as this space serves as the sole parking area in front of the chapel in Bistrica.
Mekić’s NGO, Euromost, intended to organize an event in collaboration with the Municipality of Bijelo Polje and the Public Utilities Company for a section along the Bistrica River, which would involve placing benches along the shore in preparation for the celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd.
“In response to the locals’ requests, and as someone who values unity among people regardless of religion and nationality, I believe my reaction was justified. It is utterly inappropriate to establish a green space and benches at a location that has historically served as a parking space for the chapel,” Čindrak stated, asserting that the sentiments of all Bistrica residents align with this perspective.
Čindrak highlighted that he responded to the initiative raised by church board representatives and local chapel users, who are of the Orthodox faith.
“They expressed their discomfort regarding the conversion of a parking area for the chapel into a green space. Their stance was explicit, and as their representative, I felt obligated to voice their concerns,” he explained.
He also underscored that he harbors no ill will toward the activities of the NGO Euromost, and is equally committed to environmental conservation. He noted that there are numerous suitable locations along the Bistrica River for the proposed project, provided it adheres to Montenegro’s regulations.
Čindrak indicated that Mekić’s clear intent was to undermine his credibility and tarnish the reputation of his family, affirming that the residents of Bijelo Polje understand the true situations and motivations of all involved.
He expressed particular discontent regarding Mekić’s comparison of him to Alija Balijagić, a suspect in a double homicide, describing it as incomprehensible.
“This comparison is appalling and disgraceful, as it attempts to tarnish our family’s reputation and our diligent efforts. It is evident that this is a corrupt campaign to drag me and my family into a public narrative that is entirely divorced from reality,” Čindrak added.
He urged local government authorities and the Municipal Company to address this matter so that the public can recognize the validity of his views and those of the Bistrica residents.
Alija Balijagić is alleged to have murdered his brother and sister, Jovan (25) and Milenko Madžgalj (60), with a hunting rifle in their home on October 69th last year in the Bijelo Polje hamlet of Sokoloac.
During a hearing on March 20 this year, Balijagić admitted to the prosecutor of the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office (VDT) in Bijelo Polje, Vanja Rakonjac, that he had killed the Madžgaljs.
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