The Police Oversight Council has highlighted significant shortcomings in police response during the recent mass shooting in Cetinje, which resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals on January 1, 2025. Families of the victims and the public are demanding comprehensive and reliable information regarding this tragedy, as well as the earlier incident in Medovina in August 2022.
In a statement released following a meeting on this critical issue, the Council emphasized the need for transparency in the investigation. They noted that without disclosing all available data, addressing and preventing similar incidents would be impossible. It has been suggested that effective measures must be taken to improve public safety and trust in law enforcement.
The Council discussed a proposed legislative initiative, referred to as the “Markov and Mašanov Law,” recognizing its social importance. This initiative seeks to incorporate the voices of the victims’ families into formal discussions about future actions. The Council advocates for direct communication between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and representatives of the victims to explore potential legislative integration into the ongoing discussions surrounding gun control laws.
With the first anniversary of the Cetinje massacre approaching, the Council recommended that the government of Montenegro, led by President Milojko Spajić, establish a specialized body of professionals to conduct a thorough analysis of the events. They are prepared to assist and participate in this process, which should be made public to enhance transparency and foster a stronger security culture in Montenegro.
The Council has also backed a request from the families of the victims for the formation of an expert team composed of internationally recognized specialists to conduct an impartial investigation into both mass shootings in Cetinje. This request was presented during a meeting with the head of the European Union Delegation in Montenegro, Johann Sattler.
In reviewing the police response during the January incident, the Council raised concerns about the initial deployment of resources for controlling individuals and vehicles in the city. They criticized the fact that only 11 police officers were present at the time of the massacre, despite prior knowledge of the area’s heightened risk due to ongoing gang conflicts.
Despite improvements in police organization following the previous mass shooting in 2022, the Council noted that a gap in coverage occurred between shifts, which compromised the police’s readiness to respond adequately. They also reiterated that responses to inquiries from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are crucial for understanding police authority and maintaining public trust.
The report indicated that the first emergency call regarding the shooting was made at 17:26 local time, reporting a murder at a local establishment known colloquially as “Podmornica.” However, a subsequent call at 17:27 described a “massacre,” leading to confusion over the exact location of the incident. As a result, police officers were dispatched to the wrong venue initially.
The police department acknowledged that by the time of the initial emergency call, the shooter had already moved to a different location, where further shootings occurred. The Council emphasized the need for a complete review of all calls received and the police response to ensure accountability and improve future actions.
The Police Oversight Council is chaired by lawyer Zoran Čelebić and includes members such as Professor Dražen Cerović and Professor Branislav Radulović. Their collective insights will be vital in the ongoing discussions surrounding the tragic events in Cetinje and the necessary steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
