One year has passed since the attempted state coup and parliamentary elections. The opposition is still boycotting the Parliament, but the authorities are pleased with the results achieved, especially membership in NATO.
The election day was marked by an attempted terrorist attack. Special state prosecutor’s office and director of Police directorate Slavko Stojanovic arrested 20 suspects under suspicion of creating a criminal organization and terrorism.
foto: Arhiva DNThe suspects were planning to lead an armed attack in front of the Parliament where the citizens were gathered expcting the results. The group planned to announce the victory of certain political parties and assassinate prime minister at the time, Milo Djukanovic.
The police then arrested Bratislav Dikic, Kristina Hristic, Vladimir Bozovic, Nikola Djordjevic, Stefan Velimirovic, Goran Kovacevic, Bojan Kovacevic, Luka Djordjevic, Branka Milic, Milan Dusic, Dragan Maksic, Srboljub Djordjevic, Aleksandar Curovic, Aleksandar Aleksic, Nikola Djuric, Sinisa Cetkovic, Dejan Stanojevic, Milos Acimovic, Ivica Matic and Perica Andric.
Former prime minister Milo Djukanovic learned of the possible attack from the news. His Serbian colleague Aleksandar Vucic first claimed no knowledge on the arrests, but one day later he stated Serbian intelligence had knowledge that Montenegrin didn’t and that he would promptly inform the public of its content.
Special state prosecutor Milivoje Katnic stated that a bloodshed was avoided and that he could prove it.
Leaders of DF Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic and DF driver Mihailo Cadjenovic found themselves among 11 charged (9 of them Serbian citizens).
The charge was validated by the Higher court chamber in June, and it included two Russian nationals, Eduard Shishmakov and Vladimir Popov.
They remain unavailable to Montenegrin authorities. Aleksandar Sasa Sindjelic, one of the accused, became a witness cooperator.
The trial is ongoing, livestreamed on TV. Some of the accused were let go to defend from freedom, and most pleaded not guilty.
The day of elections was also marked by a blockage in Viber and Whatsapp communication services, several hours before the election posts were closed.
OSCE office stated that the process of elections was regular and legitimate, despite the arrests and events around the state coup. DPS won 35 mandates, and formed a government with SD and minority parties.
Prime minister Markovic said they were pleased with the results of last year. Montenegrin parliament ratified the Accession Protocol to NATO, and Montenegro became the 29th member in June.
DF and part of the opposition requested a referendum on this matter, but they did not succeed. Opposition failed to agree on many other questions as well. Civic opposition held meetings sans DF, that, on the other hand, invited them to cooperation.
However, the opposition remained united on one matter – boycott of the parliament.
A.Gajević
