The non-governmental organizations Human Rights Action (HRA) and Institute Alternative (IA) have requested information from Katarina Kljajević, Head of the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office (HSP) in Bijelo Polje, regarding the investigations into threatening nationalist graffiti in Pljevlja and Rožaje, as well as the attack on the premises of the Islamic Community in Pljevlja in 2020.

Graffiti containing messages of hatred and threats against Muslims appeared shortly after the parliamentary elections in August 2020.

On September 25, 2020, HRA and IA called for all these incidents to be thoroughly investigated and for those responsible to be prosecuted.

Later, media outlets reported that communications from the Sky ECC application indicated the involvement of then-police officers Petar Lazović and Drago Spičanović, suggesting possible organized incitement of interethnic intolerance.

The proceedings against previously suspected individuals ended in acquittal due to lack of evidence, and since then, the State Prosecutor’s Office has not released any new information.

HRA and IA are requesting that the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Bijelo Polje:

• Inform the public whether the persons mentioned in the Sky ECC communications have been questioned;

• Announce what actions have been taken to identify and prosecute those responsible;

• Clarify the status of the investigation into the attack on the Islamic Community building.

HRA and IA emphasize that transparent and decisive action by the State Prosecutor’s Office is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for those who incite hatred.

Tea Gorjanc Prelević, Human Rights Action
Stevo Muk, Institute Alternative