Montenegrin non-governmental organizations and activists strongly condemn the attack on a vehicle with Split license plates carrying sport supporters from Croatia. Such incidents are absolutely unacceptable, must be strictly punished and must not be repeated. We refuse to allow malicious individuals to create and incite hatred in our country or to sow conflict between us and our neighbors. We believe that Montenegro knows better and can do better.

The atmosphere at the match between the national teams of Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina—where supporters of both countries exchanged jokes like “burek with cheese” and “they’ll call you from the unemployment office”—or the match with Croatia in Zagreb, when Montenegrin fans displayed the courageous banner “Forgive us, Dubrovnik”, shows that rivalry can be friendly and dignified, and can contribute to reconciliation. This is how it must be today and in the future.

We demand the urgent identification and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, with transparent public communication about the progress of the proceedings. We also demand consistent implementation of the law and stricter penalties for all hate-motivated violence and hate speech, in order to send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. We expect more effective application of the announced security measures for all supporters, and especially for guests from Croatia in the context of tonight’s match.

We appeal to all state authorities, supporters, media, and politicians to actively contribute to preserving the spirit of sportsmanship. Sport should bring people together, not incite hatred.

Human Rights Action (HRA)
Association Spektra
Centre for Civic Education (CCE)
Centre for Women’s Rights (WRC)
Centre for Monitoring and Research (CeMI)
Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM)
Centre for the Development of NGOs
Centre for Roma Initiatives Nikšić
Centre for Women’s and Peace Education ANIMA
Montenegrin PEN Center
Montenegrin Philological Society
Montenegrin Women’s Lobby
Montenegrin LGBTIQ Association Queer Montenegro
Ipso Facto
Juventas
NGO “35mm”
Open Centre “Bona Fide” – Pljevlja
Prima
Roma Youth Organization “Walk With Us – Phiren Amenca”
Women’s Safe House (SŽK)
Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro (UMHCG)
Paula Petričević, civic activist
Milena Bešić, civic activist