Montenegrin Parliament Retains Speaker Despite War Crime Outcry

The Parliament of Montenegro has rejected a motion to dismiss Speaker Andrija Mandic. The initiative followed Mandic's decision to send a public telegram of condolences regarding Ratko Mladic, who was convicted of genocide. Numerous non-governmental organizations stated that this decision harms Montenegro's European Union ambitions. They warned that tolerating the glorification of war criminals disrespects victims and threatens regional peace.

Civil society groups directed heavy criticism at the ruling Europe Now Movement. Lawmakers from the party avoided the parliamentary debate on the dismissal. Activists emphasized that remaining silent on genocide normalizes serious crimes. They also urged minority parties representing Bosniaks and Albanians to withdraw their support from the governing coalition.

Human rights groups also condemned lawmaker Milan Knezevic. During the live parliamentary broadcast, Knezevic showed graphic images of victims and praised Mladic as a hero. Civil society organizations described this act as an unethical abuse of victims for political goals. They called on the State Prosecutor's Office to launch a criminal investigation into Knezevic for denying genocide and glorifying convicted war criminals.