We unequivocally denounce the actions of the Serbian authorities regarding Marunović and call for a thorough explanation of the procedure involved.
The building housing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Photo: Boris Pejović
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro has issued a strong condemnation regarding today’s actions taken by Serbian authorities against Montenegrin director Danilo Marunović, who was summoned for questioning without prior notice and subsequently ordered to leave Serbia.
“Upon becoming aware of this incident, the Embassy of Montenegro in Belgrade immediately reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, seeking an urgent clarification on the circumstances surrounding this unacceptable treatment of a Montenegrin citizen and notable cultural figure,” the MFA statement noted.
The ministry also mentioned that communication with the Marunović family, the Montenegrin National Theatre, and ensemble members in Belgrade due to their scheduled performance of “The Glembays” was ongoing via the Embassy.
“The Embassy is prepared to offer all necessary support and assistance. We consider the treatment of this Montenegrin artist, just before a public cultural event, a serious breach of fundamental principles of international cooperation and cultural exchange. Such actions are intolerable and undermine the spirit of good neighborly relations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demands a prompt and detailed explanation from Serbian institutions regarding this process and anticipates a swift clarification of the circumstances, along with measures to avert similar incidents in the future. Montenegro is committed to defending the rights and dignity of its citizens abroad through its diplomatic and consular missions,” the MFA statement concluded.
Earlier, Vijesti reported that Danilo Marunović was released from the Serbian Security Information Agency (BIA) after being interrogated and was required to leave Serbia immediately.
Another source indicated that BIA agents would accompany Marunović to the border with Montenegro.
Marunović was taken into custody this morning around nine o’clock for an informational interview at the BIA’s facilities in Belgrade.
According to sources close to the theater community, BIA agents entered Marunović’s hotel room, where he was staying for a guest performance of “Gospoda Glembajevi,” produced by the Montenegrin National Theatre (CNP), at the National Theatre in Belgrade.
It was reported that Marunović entered Serbia without any issues at the border, accompanied by his father, actor Slobodan Marunović.
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