The Deputy Prime Minister for Education, Science and Relations with Religious Communities, Budimir Aleksić, convened a meeting today with Aleksandar Saša Zeković, a human rights activist and member of the Civic Initiative “21st May”. They discussed the ongoing efforts and results related to Montenegro’s journey in addressing its complex historical legacy.

This meeting is part of the Deputy Prime Minister’s continuous dialogue initiative focused on significant social and political issues, with human rights and freedoms at its core. As human rights are a fundamental value of the European Union, inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders is a vital aspect of the Government of Montenegro’s commitment to these issues.

The participants began by observing a moment of silence to honor the civilians—three of whom were children—who tragically lost their lives 26 years ago during the NATO bombing of the bridge in Murino.

Both parties expressed appreciation for the current Government’s efforts in seeking justice for victims of human rights violations. This includes acknowledging state responsibility, providing compensation, and implementing meaningful memorialization initiatives.

Importantly, the victims of the Murino bombing and their families have now received official recognition as civilian war victims. Additionally, the Government of Montenegro has decided to grant one-time financial compensation to the families of the Murino victims and to those affected by the deportation of refugees and the abduction of train passengers in Štrpci.

The role of civil society organizations and human rights defenders in fostering an open, rule-of-law-based society was also recognized. Special acknowledgment was given to Human Rights Action (HRA) and other NGOs that have consistently highlighted the state of human rights in Montenegro with integrity over the years. Participants voiced support for HRA’s call for accountability for those who failed to alert the citizens of Murino about the impending bombing threat.

It was collectively noted that public awareness of historical truths and facts remains limited in Montenegro, which continues to hinder constructive dialogue, exacerbate polarization, and impede the achievement of more tangible outcomes. This also refers to the period of the Socialist Revolution from 1941 to 1945 and the post-war era, during which many innocent civilians lost their lives for ideological reasons and still seek recognition and a dignified response regarding their remains from the state.

Mr. Zeković informed Deputy Prime Minister Aleksić that criminal complaints related to war crimes have been submitted to the Special State Prosecutor’s Office concerning crimes committed by certain partisan units in Nikšić, Bar, and Cetinje. Additionally, memorialization initiatives have been proposed to the local governments in Bar and the Old Royal Capital Cetinje. These efforts are supported by intellectuals and activists from Montenegrin, Albanian, and Serbian backgrounds, as well as by national minority councils in Montenegro.