Thousands of protesters in the Montenegrin capital, Podgorica, staged a third rally this month to demand the resignation of senior security officials over the government’s response to a deadly mass shooting on January 1.
The rally on January 25, led by an informal student group, began with 13 minutes of silence for the victims before protesters marched from the Interior Ministry to the Parliament building. Students carried symbolic props, including a chair with a doll representing government officials, emphasizing the need for accountability.
The group blames police failures during the mass shooting in Cetinje, which left 13 people dead, and demands the resignations of Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic and Deputy Prime Minister for Security Aleksa Becic.
"If our demands are not met, we are prepared for civil disobedience led by students," said activist Itana Dragojevic.
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Protesters In Montenegro Demand Resignations Over Mass Shooting
The students also demand confiscation of illegal weapons, stricter gun permit reviews, improved police efficiency, and better mental health care. They have given Prime Minister Milojko Spajic until February 1 to respond.
In response to the shooting, the government on January 3 announced a raft of new gun-control measures following a seven-hour session of the National Security Council, which is chaired by the country's president.
The proposed law, announced by Prime Minister Milojko Spajic, will mandate the reverification of existing weapons licenses and impose severe penalties for those who fail to surrender illegal weapons within two months.
SEE ALSO: Thousands Rally In Montenegro Demanding Stronger Government Response To Mass ShootingSpajic also said hunting clubs would be verified and the authorities would establish an anonymous hot line where citizens could report illegal weapons possession for a reward.
While estimates vary, Montenegro has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe. In the country of just over 620,000 people, there are about 245,000 firearms in use, according to the Swiss-based Small Arms Survey.
Other estimates suggest the figure is lower. According to 2022 police data provided to RFE/RL's Balkan Service, there are over 100,000 legally owned weapons in Montenegro, while illegal firearms are estimated to number between 40,000 and 80,000.