Non-governmental organizations and civic activists strongly condemn the threat made by Milan Knežević, MP of the ruling Democratic People’s Party, against environmental activist Aleksandar Dragićević.

At a protest against the construction of a wastewater treatment plant in Botun, Knežević told activist Dragićević: “If he continues like this, I publicly promise, we will come in front of his house with tractors of sewage and spill it, so let him breathe if it’s healthy, let him process it if it’s healthy.”

Such a statement represents unacceptable intimidation and an incitement to violence against Dragićević. Public officials bear special responsibility for every publicly spoken word and must not call for the commission of misdemeanors or criminal acts. When an MP publicly makes such threats, it creates a real risk that one of his supporters may literally interpret and carry them out. Such behavior may also constitute a criminal offense (threats, incitement to violence/harassment).

Civic activists, such as Aleksandar Dragićević, are exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression and to publicly advocate for the protection of the environment. Criticism of government decisions or opinions on infrastructure projects must not be a reason for threats and stigmatization, but should be understood as a legitimate contribution to public debate and the democratic process. Dragićević never threatened Knežević in any way.

Montenegro has international obligations regarding the protection of human rights. As a member of the United Nations, it is obliged to respect the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), which guarantees the safety of all individuals who peacefully promote and protect human rights, including the right to a healthy environment. Likewise, as a signatory of the Aarhus Convention, Montenegro has committed to ensuring that citizens can fully participate in decision-making on environmental matters, without any fear of intimidation, retaliation, or repression.

We expect the competent state authorities to respond effectively to Aleksandar Dragićević’s complaint against MP Milan Knežević for endangering his safety and to provide full protection to the environmental activist. Otherwise, a dangerous message will be sent that threats and intimidation of activists are tolerated, with serious consequences for the state of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Montenegro.

Signatories:
Human Rights Action (HRA)
Association SPEKTRA
Centre for Civic Education (CCE)
Centre for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro (CIN-CG)
Centre for Democratic Transition (CDT)
Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)
Women’s Rights Center (WRC)
Ipso Facto
PRIMA
“Štrpci – Against Oblivion”
“Kana – Who if Not An Architect?”

Civic activists:
Dina Bajramspahić
Darko Saveljić
Jovana Marović
Milica Kankaraš
Mladen Ivanović, film director
Paula Petričević