“HUNT FOR TURKS” IN MONTENEGRO: More than 40 people arrested, Turkish bar demolished, visas for entering the country also being introduced!

Following the incident that rocked the Podgorica settlement of Zabjelo two nights ago, the Montenegrin police detained several dozen foreign nationals and conducted a series of checks, while two men from Azerbaijan and Turkey were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the violence. In the meantime, a Turkish-owned establishment was also attacked.

As announced by the Police Directorate, the arrested are a citizen of Azerbaijan Y.G. (31) and a citizen of Turkey N.D. (54), who are suspected of the criminal offense of violent behavior. According to the police, two nights ago in the Zabjelo settlement, they attacked and inflicted injuries on M.J., a resident of Podgorica.

During the investigation, 45 people were detained, mostly foreign nationals from Turkey and Azerbaijan. All were subject to criminal processing and checks related to the legality of their stay in Montenegro. The police found several irregularities – seven misdemeanor orders were issued for violations of the Law on Foreigners, eight people were expelled from the country, while two were ordered to stay and regularly report to the police until the end of the proceedings.

Appeal to citizens and a message from the police

The Police Directorate appealed to citizens to remain dignified and calm, and not to succumb to emotions or calls for lynching.

“In every community, there are individuals whose behavior disrupts public order and peace, but the task of the authorities is to identify and prosecute such phenomena in accordance with the law. The police resolutely continue to implement measures to preserve the trust of citizens, inter-ethnic and inter-faith harmony, as well as the safety of everyone in Montenegro,” the statement reads. The police also announced additional controls on foreigners in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Tax Administration, and other competent authorities, to establish all irregularities concerning the stay and business operations of foreign nationals on the territory of Montenegro.

We remind you that on the night the conflict occurred, three Turkish citizens barricaded themselves in a casino in Zabjelo, after which the police brought them out and detained two. A search is underway for the three attackers, who, according to unofficial information, are also citizens of Turkey. They are suspected of seriously injuring Podgorica resident M.J. with a knife.

Revenge and vandalism

In the meantime, the situation has further escalated. A shop owned by a Turkish citizen on Ivan Crnojević Boulevard in Podgorica was destroyed. Videos that appeared on social networks show broken windows, a burnt-down establishment, and a completely destroyed kitchen.

The video published on the Oči Podgorice Facebook page provoked strong public reactions, and the competent authorities are investigating whether it is an act of revenge related to the incident in Zabjelo.

Increased controls and announcement of deportations

The Police Directorate announced that it will intensify the supervision of the stay of foreign nationals and apply “uncompromising measures” towards those who violate the laws of Montenegro.

“When irregularities are established, procedures for revoking residency and deportation will be immediately initiated to preserve the safety of citizens and protect the legal order of the state,” the police said. State authorities say that through joint action — by the police, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Tax Administration, and other institutions — all forms of law violation will be sanctioned, and attempts at inter-ethnic tensions will be prevented.

Montenegro, the statement says, “remains an open and safe state for all who respect its laws and institutions.”

Montenegro introduces visas for Turkish citizens

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced that the Montenegrin government will tomorrow, under an urgent procedure, adopt a decision on the temporary abolition of the visa-free regime for Turkish citizens after the police detained 45 Turkish citizens due to several incidents involving violence in the previous 24 hours.

Spajić pointed out that the decision was made to preserve stability and security, noting that the government will continue to work on maintaining good relations with Ankara.

“To preserve economic activity and good bilateral relations, in the coming period, we will initiate intensive talks with the Republic of Turkey so that, in the spirit of good cooperation and alliance, we can find the best model in mutual interest,” Spajić stated tonight on the social network X.

The police conducted raids in Podgorica tonight after Podgorica resident M. J. was beaten and stabbed with a knife last night, while on the other hand, numerous residents of a Podgorica settlement gathered and repeatedly chanted derogatory slogans against Turks.

The police officially announced tonight that they have so far identified and detained two Turkish citizens linked to last night’s wounding of one person using a knife.

The police announced that in the last 24 hours there have been several incidents involving violence, in which Turkish citizens temporarily residing in the territory of Podgorica participated, and that around 45 Turkish citizens were detained.

“Officers of the Police Directorate will assess the reasons for the stay of the mentioned persons, the justification and legality of the stay, as well as the elements of their violence that occurred during their stay, which will be followed by repressive measures and the assessment of the revocation of residency and the expulsion of foreigners,” the UP added.

Earlier today, the police announced that approximately 13,300 Turkish citizens officially reside in Montenegro.

Reis: Is Belgrade punishing Turkey through Montenegro?

The Reis of the Islamic Community in Montenegro, Rifat Fejzić, spoke out on the X network, wondering if Belgrade is punishing Turkey through Montenegro.

He shared a photo of the news published on October 8, which stated that the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, accused Turkey of violating the United Nations (UN) Charter and UN Security Council resolutions by arming Kosovo.

“After less than 20 days. Is Belgrade punishing Turkey through CG?” Fejzić wrote.

BS: We condemn violence, but also hate speech against Turks

The ruling Bosniak Party (BS) announced that it strongly condemns the violence that occurred in Podgorica and expects the competent authorities to urgently and professionally shed light on all circumstances of the case and sanction the perpetrators, regardless of their national or state affiliation.

As stated in the announcement, BS simultaneously, with deep concern, condemns “the phenomena of hate speech and chanting such as ‘Kill the Turk’,” which, as they said, not only violate human dignity but threaten to undermine the values of peace, coexistence, and mutual respect that are the foundation of Montenegrin society.

“Montenegro must remain a country where violence is not answered with hatred, but with justice – and where institutions, not the streets, decide on guilt. We call on all state bodies, media, and social actors to prevent any further incitement of tensions and to maintain public order and trust among citizens through their actions. Only a society that rejects both violence and hatred can be strong, just, and European. Violence has no nationality or citizenship,” the statement said.