Reactions from Montenegro have begun to pour in following the decision by Kosovo authorities to impose a one-month detention on three young men from Nikšić (two of whom are active Montenegrin soldiers) arrested due to a „Kosovo is Serbia“ sticker on their car license plates. The arrests, which occurred after a religious ceremony at the Visoki Dečani Monastery on Sunday, have sparked outrage, with political leaders condemning the actions of Kosovo’s judicial authorities.
The three young men were detained after reports emerged that they had displayed the controversial sticker on their vehicle, registered in Nikšić, while attending a religious service at the monastery, which was attended by around 4,000 worshippers. However, the lawyer for one of the arrested young men, Jovana Filipović, says that the controversial slogan was covered with adhesive tape, that the young men did not provoke anyone, and that it is unclear who uncovered the message on the covered part of the license plate.
Following their arrest, the men were initially held for 48 hours, with the court in Peć today extending their detention for an additional 30 days.
Nikšić Mayor Marko Kovačević was quick to condemn the actions of Kosovo’s authorities, stating that the imposition of detention on the three men does not contribute to peace and stability in the Balkans. He expressed his disapproval on social media, highlighting that the young men were detained simply because their license plates featured the phrase „Kosovo is the heart of Serbia.“ He called the act „forceful“ and claimed it was inappropriate, regardless of which side it came from.
Kovačević emphasized that this was not an expected development, noting that the local authorities had refrained from commenting earlier to avoid making the situation more difficult for the young men. He also noted that they had been attending a significant religious event for the Serbian community, and the authorities’ decision to detain them had come as a shock.
The mayor expressed solidarity with the arrested individuals, offering support from the municipality and urging them to „stay strong“ in the face of the charges.
Vladimir Dobričanin, a member of the United Montenegro party, also condemned the arrests, characterizing them as part of a broader „terror“ by Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti aimed at deterring Serbs from visiting their religious sites in Kosovo. Dobričanin criticized both the Kosovo authorities and Montenegro’s lack of response to the detention of its citizens, noting that the only reason for the arrest was the „Kosovo is Serbia“ sticker.
He expressed frustration at the silence from the Montenegrin government, stating that if the roles were reversed and a Montenegrin citizen had been detained at a Serbian border crossing, it would have led to „widespread political outcry“. He condemned the „double standard“ and accused non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of remaining silent when it comes to „actions against Serbs“, but allegedly quick to criticize when similar actions are taken against Albanians.
„I can’t stand this shameful silence,“ Dobričanin remarked. „If it were the other way around, the political reaction would be enormous. But when it happens to our people, the silence is deafening.“
Montenegrin Local Officials Call for Urgent Action
Aleksa Kankaraš, a member of the Nikšić Municipal Assembly, also weighed in on the situation, calling the arrest a serious violation of human rights. Kankaraš urged the Montenegrin authorities to immediately condemn the act and take action to secure the release of the three detained men.
„This shameful act of arrest and detention is a gross violation of human rights, and it is unacceptable in a modern society,“ Kankaraš said in a statement. He called on the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure the three young men are released from detention.
Kankaraš reaffirmed that for the Socialist People’s Party (SNP) of Montenegro, „Kosovo and Metohija are an integral part of Serbia,“ and stressed that dialogue is the only path to peace. He warned that continued arrests and the use of force would only deepen the rift and make reconciliation even more difficult.
Widespread Condemnation of Kosovo’s Actions
Local officials, political figures, and citizens in Montenegro have rallied behind the detained young men, condemning Kosovo’s actions as part of a broader trend of „anti-Serb“ sentiment and policies on the territory. Kankaraš also pointed out that such incidents, including the „brutal arrests“ and mistreatment of Serbs in northern Kosovo, are daily realities for many in the Serbian community living there.
„The brutal arrests and beatings of young Serbs by Kosovo police reflect the anti-Serb policies, intolerance, and torture that Serbs in northern Kosovo face every day,“ he stated.
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