Hate speech is a form of discrimination and a punishable offence. History teaches us that the most serious crimes – war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide – actually started with hate speech. The normalisation of hate speech in the public discourse of Montenegro seriously threatens the rule of law and social cohesion, and has the potential to destabilise society and hinder membership in the European Union. It is necessary for the institutions, especially the state prosecutor’s office, to take responsibility and act proactively to suppress hate speech.

According to the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations, hate speech is widespread in all the segments of Montenegrin society, from the Internet and the media to the education system. Political dissidents, ethnic and religious minorities and LGBTQ persons are particularly at risk. This year, the Committee particularly warned about the increased denial of war crimes, encouraged by politicians, and the insufficient reaction of the competent institutions.

Instead of protecting democracy and human rights, Montenegrin institutions are increasingly tolerating hate speech. A year after Marko Kovačević’s warmongering statement, the Administrative Committee of the National Assembly is still ignoring the request of the State Prosecutor’s Office to have his immunity lifted, and the Prosecutor’s Office is not reacting.

In its latest report, the European Commission pointed out the serious problems of anti-LGBTIQ hate speech and political rhetoric. The head of the Parliamentary Committee for Human Rights is Jovan Vučurović, a man who is known for his homophobic statements, which further undermines the credibility of institutions.

Instead of promoting messages of peace and tolerance, religious leaders are also increasingly encouraging hate speech. Statements made by the Metropolitans of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Metodije and Joanikije, about war criminals have not caused an adequate institutional reaction, which further normalises hate speech. Even the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has not yet reacted to the glorification of the Chetnik commander known for the ethnic cleansing of Muslims in the north of Montenegro.

A responsible government would have to recognise all these events as serious threats to peace, social stability and the rule of law.