The Democrats, lacking arguments, have once again resorted to a new, shameless personal attack. If it were not dangerous—considering that this is a group controlling the security system—it would only be sad.

Of course, my goal is not “to protect the personnel who served the mafia,” but rather to reiterate that any vetting process must be conducted impartially, based on law and evidence, and with full respect for the right to defense—not arbitrarily, at the whim of whichever political party happens to be in power. Naturally, I do not support associates of organized criminal groups, nor such groups themselves, as the Democrats absurdly claim.

Nothing I have ever done or written could reasonably lead anyone knowledgeable to such conclusions. All the issues that the Human Rights Action has addressed—whether concerning Katnić, the Fundamental Agreement, or the mass killings in Cetinje—have been argued and explained on our website, and there is no need to repeat them.

I maintain that it is extremely troubling for the public interest that the mastermind of this state’s security and defense operations could reach such erroneous conclusions about me and even make them public.

I have supported, I support, and I will always support the right of lawyers who represent suspended police officers to file criminal complaints against the Ministry of Interior, without being threatened by the highest state authorities with ridicule, tears, or automatic, baseless accusations of belonging to the “Škaljari” or “Kavač” clans.

I repeat that everyone—and especially lawyers, whose job it is—has the right to file complaints against any government. Those in power are obliged to defend themselves with arguments, rather than by threatening, humiliating, or falsely accusing, thereby influencing not only those who file complaints but also the State Prosecutor’s Office and the courts.

I expect that international partners will also advise the Government on this matter, since, unfortunately, it does not realize it on its own, while it allegedly wishes to respect international standards and lead the country into the EU.

Tea Gorjanc Prelević, Human Rights Action