Montenegro - January 2025

A mass shooting on 1 January in Cetinje, which resulted in the deaths of 12 people, including children, has raised concerns about security and violence in Montenegro. The country is reported to have the sixth highest number of illegal weapons per capita in the world. The police response during the incident has faced criticism, though Prime Minister Milojko Spajić defended the police, citing shortages in law enforcement personnel due to retirements. Civil society organizations pointed out that despite Cetinje being home to over a hundred members of organized crime groups and the site of a similar mass shooting in 2022, the town has minimal police presence. In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Spajić announced a two-month amnesty for individuals who surrender illegal weapons, along with tougher prison sentences for those caught with illegal firearms after the amnesty period. He also proposed additional gun control measures and a new Law on Weapons. 

Sources: Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Vijesti