The non-governmental organizations and activists who in recent days called for the ban of Baja Mali Knindža’s performance in Pljevlja welcome the decision of the Police Directorate prohibiting the concert announced for 21 May at 13 July Square.

We believe that a responsible and lawful decision has been made, confirming that institutions have an obligation to protect public order and peace, the safety of citizens, as well as the multiethnic and civic character of Montenegro.

It is especially important that, in its reasoning, the Police Directorate recognized the risks of endangering human rights and freedoms, special minority rights, as well as the possibility of disrupting interethnic harmony and the safety of citizens and property. Such an assessment confirms what we have been pointing out — that public space must not be used for events that may deepen divisions, fuel tensions, and undermine social cohesion.

We expect all political structures and organizers of public events to show responsibility toward the community and refrain from initiatives that may cause divisions and destabilization, especially in communities that require additional attention when it comes to preserving interethnic trust.

Montenegro is a civic and multiethnic state, and the protection of these values is precisely the obligation of all institutions and social actor.

Human Rights Action, Tea Gorjanc Prelević

Centre for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro, Milka Tadić Mijović

Centre for Civic Education, Daliborka Uljarević

Spektra Association, Jovan Džoli Ulićević

Centre for Women’s and Peace Education ANIMA, Ervina Dabižinović

Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, Nevenka Vuksanović

Ipso Facto, Milena Popović Samardžić

Media Institute of Montenegro, Olivera Nikolić

Queer Montenegro, Staša Baštrica

Eduko Plus, Almedina Dodić

Anti-Fascists of Cetinje, Filip Kuzman

Women’s Safe House, Budislavka Saveljić

Prima, Aida Perović

Montenegrin Women’s Lobby, Aida Petrović

Centre for Development of Non-Governmental Organizations, Zorana Marković

Civic Initiative 21 May, Rade Bojović

Montenegrin Committee of Lawyers for the Protection of Human Rights, Velija Murić

Juventas, Ivana Vujović

Association of LBTQ Women “Stana”, Ana Dedivanović

SOS Podgorica, Biljana Zeković

Centre for Monitoring and Research, Zlatko Vujović

Women’s Rights Centre, Maja Raičević

Paula Petrićević, civic activist

Dina Bajramspahić, civic activist

Emir Pilav, civic activist

Sabina Talović, civic activist

Nikoleta Đukanović, civic activist

Dušan Pajović, civic activist

Milena Bešić, civic activist

Milica Kankaraš Berber, civic activist