Vesovic: Arrest in Decani gained domestic political dimension in Montenegro

Journalist Marko Vesovic from Podgorica states that the arrest of three Montenegrin citizens in Decani on November 24 has drawn significant public attention in Montenegro and that due to differing reactions from parties in power, the case has also taken on a domestic political dimension.

“This incident has indeed garnered much attention from the Montenegrin public. The truth is that some political parties, including those in power, have urged Montenegrin institutions to actively intervene and assist in ensuring that the young men arrested near the Visoki Decani Monastery are released as soon as possible,” Vesovic told Kosovo Online.

He notes that two of the detained Montenegrins were military personnel on medical leave but, according to official information, had no prior disciplinary or other issues in service.

“What I would particularly emphasize is that Montenegro’s Defense Minister, Dragan Krapovic, stated that these are exemplary young men who serve in the military and have not had any disciplinary or behavioral issues in their service. It is important to stress that they were officially on medical leave. This information comes directly from the Defense Minister, which is the most credible source available,” Vesovic said.

He explains that differing reactions from Montenegrin government factions emerged between pro-Serb and Albanian parties in the coalition government.

“Parties identified as part of the pro-Serb bloc or Serbian national parties reacted strongly. Notably, Andrija Mandic, President of Montenegro’s Parliament, stated that he is working diligently and insisting that the Kosovo administration release these young men as soon as possible,” Vesovic said.

On the other hand, Albanian national parties within the government also responded.

“Some parties from the Albanian national bloc in Montenegro reacted, prompting responses from government members affiliated with these parties. This has turned the issue into a domestic political matter in Montenegro. However, the key point here is that all circumstances surrounding the case must come to light, and these individuals must be given as much assistance as realistically possible to resolve their issues,” Vesovic stressed.

He reminds that Montenegro has recognized Kosovo’s independence.

“Despite protests 16 years ago over this decision, as well as former Prime Minister Dusko Markovic’s acknowledgment during a visit to Kosovo that the decision was made despite knowing most Montenegrin citizens opposed it, Montenegro’s current government does not question this decision. The government maintains close ties with Pristina and has not altered its policy in this regard since 2020. These are the facts,” Vesovic said.

Regarding the reasons for the arrests, Vesovic notesd that the three Montenegrins were charged with “inciting hatred and intolerance.”

He expects Montenegrin authorities to treat them like any other Montenegrin citizens arrested abroad.

“There are no additional details at this time. The defense lawyer has announced an appeal against the pretrial detention order. This process is ongoing and is now part of the regular judicial procedure. I sincerely hope that, as with other cases involving Montenegrin citizens detained abroad, the Montenegrin state will assist these individuals and ensure fair treatment and conditions during the proceedings,” Vesovic clarified.

He concludes that this is a sensitive issue in Montenegro, but regardless of perspectives on the incident, the basic human rights of the detained individuals must be upheld, including the right to a trial within a reasonable time frame.

“You know this is a highly sensitive issue in Montenegro. Regardless of differing opinions, it is crucial to ensure that basic human rights are respected, including the right to a trial in a reasonable time frame. This should mean that we will soon have a resolution to this case,” Vesovic concluded.

Montenegrin citizens Dragutin Lalatovic, Marinko Jovanovic, and Rajko Krivokapic were arrested near the Visoki Decani Monastery on November 24 over license plates bearing the inscription “Kosovo is Serbia.”

Two days later, the Basic Court in Pec, branch in Decani, ordered one-month detention for the three individuals.