The Human Rights Action (HRA) has reported that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police Directorate have failed to respond to inquiries regarding police actions before, during, and after the mass crime in Cetinje for a duration of 17 days.

On January 24, HRA, along with the Women’s Rights Center (WRC), submitted a petition to the Council for Civilian Control of Police Work, seeking clarification on police actions.

According to these NGOs, the Council requested a response from the Police Directorate on January 28 regarding the questions posed in the petition:

• Who informed the police about the murders in Cetinje on January 1, when did this occur, and what was the police’s reaction to those reports?
• How many operational police officers were present in Cetinje on January 1 at the time of the mass crime?
• What reason did the Police Directorate provide for failing to locate and apprehend the murder suspect for over five and a half hours?
• How did the murder suspect acquire illegal weapons and ammunition, and did the police undertake any investigative or preventative measures to ensure citizen safety?
• Were there any records of domestic violence against the crime suspect, and if so, what actions were taken regarding those incidents?
• Has an expert analysis of the suspect’s phone been conducted?

“We have been without answers to these questions for 17 days, even after the Council emphasized the urgency of the matter on February 10. This delay raises suspicions of potential concealment of information. Meanwhile, the Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office has informed us that they are not currently conducting an investigation into the mass crime in Cetinje, but that an investigation will be initiated once the Department for Internal Control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reviews the police’s actions,” the statement indicated.

HRA and CŽP express the necessity of investigating how and from whom the murder suspect obtained unlicensed weapons, or whether he had any accomplices in the mass murder, as these are prosecutable offenses.

“We anticipate that the Police Administration will disclose the requested information, which is vital for the safety and security of Cetinje and surrounding areas, without further delay. Following two mass murders in under three years resulting in 23 deaths, including four children, and nine injuries, it is imperative to conduct a thorough assessment of all actions and omissions within the security system to prevent such horrific crimes in the future. The state has a duty to implement all necessary measures to protect the right to life and the safety of its citizens,” the statement concludes.

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