A mass shooting tragedy unfolded on Wednesday afternoon in Cetinje, Montenegro, leaving 12 dead and four others injured. The perpetrator, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinović, initiated the rampage after consuming alcohol and managed to evade police for several hours before taking his own life. This horrific event catalyzed hundreds of Montenegrins to protest against what they perceive as ineffective governmental action and rampant gun violence.
According to reports, Martinović attacked patrons at a local restaurant, where he shot the owner and two of his children among others, before continuing his deadly spree through the small town about 38 km west of Podgorica. Notably, this marks the second mass shooting within three years, prompting outrage and grief across the country.
Government officials have expressed their condolences, but many citizens feel this is not enough. Protesters gathered outside the government building on Friday to demand accountability from officials, particularly calling for the resignation of Interior Minister Danilo Saranovic and police director Lazar Scepanovic. The protest commenced silently to honor the victims, but quickly escalated as demonstrators shouted slogans like “Your system is rotten” and “Your hands are bloody,” driven by both rage and sorrow.
During the protest, some individuals attempted to breach police barriers, attaching roses with black ribbons to signify their mourning. Boro Bozovic, a 76-year-old pensioner, captured the sentiment among many when he lamented at the vigil, "What can I say about this case? Sadness, sadness, silence... This is not the first case." Indeed, the psychological toll this violence takes on the small nation is palpable.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic addressed the nation following the shootings, stating emphatically, "The availability of weapons is excessive and horrifying, and it cannot be justified by tradition." He promised decisive action, including new laws to eliminate illegal firearms and stricter controls on legal ownership. Montenegro, with its deep-rooted gun culture, has long faced challenges related to weapon possession dating back to the turbulent conflicts of the 1990s.
Analysts suggest the government's efforts may face resistance due to this gun culture, particularly as residents grapple with the notion of increased regulation over something many view as traditional. The Small Arms Survey estimates around 245,000 firearms circulate among Montenegro's population of just over 600,000 people. Many citizens argue passionately for their right to bear arms, often citing cultural and historical reasons.
The National Security Council convened to discuss the prevention of similar tragedies, emphasizing combating illegal arms and reviewing permits for legal firearms. Spajic indicated there would be no leniency, declaring, "After two months, those refusing to surrender illegal weapons will face severe punishment." These discussions are being closely monitored by the public, who hope for substantial changes.
Coincidentally, this protest came just days after many Montenegrins had gathered to commemorate the victims of the previous mass shooting incident, which occurred in August 2022, leading to ten deaths. The frequency of these tragedies suggests systemic issues within the country's approach to gun control and policing.
Throughout the protests, attendees expressed their anger toward officials for the slow pace of reforms aimed at strengthening the police force's capacity to handle such violent incidents. The police response during the shootings was criticized; Scepanovic justified delays by claiming misleading information led police to the wrong location during the initial response.
The sentiments surrounding this latest shooting reflect not just anger but also fear about the direction of Montenegrin society. Citizens are worried about the potential for future atrocities, risking the safety of loved ones. "We can’t stand by and wait for another tragedy to happen," one protester demanded, embodying the urgency of their cause.
Despite the grief, many Montenegrins are resolute. The three days of national mourning declared by the government served as both remembrance and rallying cry for stronger actions against gun violence. Public demand for accountability is mounting, with significant pressure placed on the authorities to enact meaningful reforms swiftly.
Montenegro now faces significant upheaval. The mass protests and the promise of government action against illegal firearms could shape the future political climate. Can Montenegro emerge from this tragedy with effective reforms, or will it succumb to the trap of empty promises? Only time will tell, but for now, the nation's heartbreak is palpable as they seek justice and resolution amid the chaos.