Despite all offices in the former government building being vacant since May 15th of last year, no action has been taken to relocate the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SDT) and the Special Police Department (SPO) as previously stated by the last two executive administrations.

In June 2023, the former Minister of Justice Marko Kovač indicated that moving the SDT and SPO to the old government building, referred to as the “two boxes”, was a governmental priority…

In September of that same year, the outgoing Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic reiterated this commitment, stating, “We are prepared to assist physically in moving the furniture.”

Two months later, the then Minister of Justice, Andrej Milović, again affirmed this intention at the beginning of the 44th Government’s mandate.

“Judicial reforms are of utmost importance, which is why the establishment of a Special Court and the relocation of the SDT and SPO to the old government building are planned,” Milović declared.

March will mark one year since the meeting between Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and the Supreme State Prosecutor Milorad Marković, during which the Head of Government promised “full support to resolve the spatial capacity issues of the State Prosecutor’s Office”…

One year on, the building once serving as the executive branch’s headquarters remains empty, even as many prosecutors’ offices grapple with inadequate workspaces.

The SDT and SPO, whose performance is crucial to Montenegro’s progress in EU negotiations, operate in cramped conditions where special prosecutors, aides, administrators, and police officers are overwhelmed with cases, records, and archives.

On February 17, “Vijesti” reached out to the Government and the State Property Administration to inquire about the timeline for the SDT and SPO relocation project; however, several urgent requests for responses went unanswered.

The Government’s email indicated that the questions were forwarded to the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property for consideration and further action, thereafter indicating that the State Property Administration holds the responsibility for the responses.

Promises of Summer Completion

In a reply to “Vijesti”, the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office confirmed they had received information suggesting that the relocation could take place in mid-year.

“For the exact timeline regarding the SDT and SPO relocation, you may inquire with the Government of Montenegro,” reads the statement from the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office, led by Chief State Prosecutor Milorad Marković.

They elaborated that representatives from the Supreme and Special State Prosecutor’s Offices have engaged in numerous meetings and consultations with institutions accountable for preparing the old government building for the impending relocation of the SDT and SPO.

“Several urgent requests have been issued for more effective actions by responsible authorities regarding this project,” stated the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office.

The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office noted that competent authorities should examine the project documentation and conduct a public procurement process for the necessary adaptation works on the building.

“The lack of appropriate working conditions severely hampers the efficient operation of the Special State Prosecutor’s Office. Staff are forced to operate in subpar offices, hampering productivity and complicating the completion of complex and critical tasks. Often, too many state prosecutors and employees occupy a single office, disrupting workflow and hindering the implementation of daily measures aimed at identifying criminal perpetrators. Adequate spaces for archives and the storage of confiscated items, particularly narcotics and weapons, are also unavailable. Such working conditions are unacceptable and require urgent resolution to enhance the prosecutors’ battle against all forms of crime,” remarked the Special State Prosecutor’s Office.

The relocation of the SDT would also release additional space in the current building for the Supreme and Higher State Prosecutor’s Offices in Podgorica, the Prosecutorial Council, and the Crime Victim Support Service, as outlined in the recent amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code.

“This would lead to greater efficiency in the overall operations of the State Prosecutor’s Office,” emphasizes the response.

The Prosecutorial Council had previously reached out to Prime Minister Spajić’s Government regarding the relocation of the SDT and SPO, seeking clarifications and definitive timelines, as they conveyed they were receiving contradictory information and believed the process was stagnating excessively…

“Given the extensive delays regarding the SDT, what can we expect for ourselves? When will we see progress, and when will our offices’ spatial issues be resolved adequately?” questioned Nikola Samardzic, a member of the TS and a prosecutor from Herceg Novi.

Government Inertia

In April of the previous year, the government issued another report concerning the relocation activities of the SDT and SPO.

“According to the report, following the Government’s decision on July 6, 2023, which allocated office space in the old building for the SDT and SPO, a donation was established with the European Union Support to the Rule of Law in Montenegro – Eurol III project and the US Embassy in Montenegro. This donation aims to finance a feasibility study for the old building’s adaptation, alongside the acquisition of office furniture and IT equipment,” the report details.

At that time, it was revealed that the SDT had crafted the project terms of reference, but the final draft and design for the conversion of the old building would be completed by experts employed through the US Embassy in Podgorica.

“The Special State Prosecutor’s Office has offered a conceptual architectural solution – drawings in dwg format – to assist in preparing project documentation for other phases,” stated the Government.

They concluded that the conceptual architectural solution is optimal for layout, furniture, and equipment while ensuring no alterations to the building’s internal structure.

“Thus, the proposed modifications to the organizational layout, equipment replacement, and installations will not compromise the facility’s stability or safety, nor alter its external appearance,” the Government’s report indicates.

At that time, the Government tasked the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property, along with the State Property Administration, to proceed with adaptation work on the old building…

“Additionally, actions regarding the remaining phases of electrical systems, thermal engineering, and fire protection will be carried out, supervised by experts. The Ministry of Finance is tasked with securing the necessary funds for the project implementation as required,” the report states.

The old government building, boasting over 110 offices, largely stands empty, though remnants of old inventory and furniture can be found in some areas…

Being a facility of special public importance, the building and vast complex in downtown Podgorica are under the continuous surveillance of a private security agency.

Previously, this building housed various state entities, including the headquarters of the DPS.

Furniture and Equipment Await Installation…

The US Embassy has procured and donated some furniture and IT equipment, presently stored in various offices within the old government building, awaiting the Government’s completion of its project for installation.

“Some part of the US Embassy donations has been partially executed, with the building waiting for adaptation to allow the donated equipment to be utilized,” the SDT previously informed “Vijesti”.

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