OSCE Mission expresses concern about violent events in Montenegro and calls for political dialogue

PODGORICA, 18 October 2015 - The OSCE Mission to Montenegro is concerned with the recent violent events in the centre of Podgorica and calls on all sides to demonstrate restraint.

The Mission reaffirms the view that the maintenance of the rule of law is essential in any functional modern democratic state. While the Mission believes that the right to freely protest is a vital principle in any democracy, such demonstrations must also have legal status and those who take part should also conduct themselves in line with the laws of the country.

In reaffirming its commitment to promoting the freedom of the media, the Mission is also concerned about reports of incidents involving police and journalists. The Mission calls on the authorities to continue with measures that ensure that the media is allowed to report freely without interference or obstruction.

“The Mission calls on all sides to pursue political dialogue within the relevant national institutions. The responsibility for doing so must rest firmly on all sides," stated Janina Hrebickova, the Head of the OSCE Mission to Montenegro.