Montenegro’s Tragedy: A nation Reeling after Second Mass Shooting
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Montenegro is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating mass shooting, the second in less than three years, leaving the small Balkan nation reeling and demanding urgent action on gun control. On Wednesday, a gunman fatally shot twelve people, including two children, in the western town of Cetinje before taking his own life. The horrific event has ignited a national debate about gun violence, security measures, and the deeply rooted gun culture within the country.
The gunman, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinović, used an illegal 9mm handgun in the rampage. Police recovered 37 shell casings at the scene and over 80 additional rounds of ammunition from his possession. “This is one of the biggest tragedies in the history of Montenegro,” stated Police Commissioner Lazar Šćepanović, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The victims included seven men, three women (one being Martinović’s sister), and two children aged 5 and 11. Four more individuals sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized. the attack, reportedly triggered by a bar brawl, unfolded across multiple locations, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Montenegro’s National Security Council convened an emergency session in response to the tragedy.The meeting is expected to address the urgent need for stricter gun laws and a comprehensive initiative to confiscate the estimated abundance of illegal firearms in the possession of citizens. According to state television broadcaster RTCG, Montenegro ranks sixth globally in illegal weapons per capita, a statistic that underscores the scale of the problem.
“I can’t believe that we failed so much as a society. We failed as people too.”
This quote, from Podgorica retiree Mira Škorić, reflects the widespread sense of grief and failure among Montenegrins. The shooting has sparked widespread anger and calls for accountability, with protests planned in the coming days.
This latest tragedy follows a similar massacre in August 2022, where an attacker killed ten people, including two children, in Cetinje. This disturbing pattern has prompted the Human Rights Action and Women’s Rights Center to demand a thorough inquiry into the preparedness of the security system. “What has changed in the security system in Cetinje as 2022?” they questioned in a statement, highlighting the urgent need for reform.
A nation Seeks Answers
The events in Montenegro raise critical questions about gun control, societal violence, and the effectiveness of security measures in a nation grappling with political divisions. The sheer number of illegal weapons and the frequency of such violent incidents demand immediate and decisive action. The international community is watching closely as Montenegro confronts this devastating challenge and seeks to prevent future tragedies.
Montenegro grapples with Aftermath of 2022 Massacre
The small Balkan nation of Montenegro is still reeling from a tragic shooting spree in 2022 that claimed the lives of several children. The incident, which shocked the nation, has sparked renewed calls for stricter gun control and improved mental health services. The gunman, who had a history of violence and illegal weapons possession, had also undergone psychiatric treatment.
The devastating impact on families is palpable.Vesna Pejović, a Cetinje resident who lost her daughter and two grandchildren in the attack, voiced her profound grief and anger. “What kind of state and system is this where children are getting killed? Are we at war?” she questioned. “Where were the police?”
Pejović’s poignant words highlight the deep-seated anxieties felt by many Montenegrins. The incident raises critical questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement and the accessibility of mental healthcare within the country. The lack of readily available resources to address mental health issues and prevent future tragedies is a concern shared by many.
This tragedy resonates with similar events in the United States, where gun violence and mental health crises are ongoing concerns. The need for comprehensive solutions, including stricter background checks, improved access to mental health services, and community-based support programs, is a shared challenge for both nations.
The aftermath of the 2022 shooting continues to shape the political and social landscape of Montenegro. The nation grapples with the need for meaningful change to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Jovana Gec and dušan stojanović contributed to this report from Belgrade, Serbia.
Montenegro Faces Gun Violence Crisis: An Interview with Balkan Security Expert Dr. Jelena Dimitrijević
Following the horrific mass shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro, where twelve people, including two children, lost their lives, the small balkan nation is reeling, demanding answers and action. World-Today-News Senior Editor, Sarah Thompson, spoke with Dr. Jelena Dimitrijević, a leading expert on Balkan security and firearm policy, to gain insight into the factors contributing to this tragedy and the path forward for Montenegro.
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Dimitrijević,thank you for joining us today.The shooting in Cetinje is, tragically, not the first mass shooting Montenegro has experienced. What are the underlying issues that make this country so susceptible to these horrific events?
Dr. Jelena Dimitrijević: This is a complex and deeply concerning issue.While montenegro has implemented some gun control measures, the truth is the country grapples with a deeply ingrained gun culture, a legacy of decades of conflict and instability in the region.A significant number of illegal firearms are circulating throughout montenegro, making it tragically easy for individuals with malicious intent to obtain weapons.
Sarah Thompson: What role do you believe illegal firearms play in this crisis, and what steps can be taken to tackle this problem?
Dr. Jelena Dimitrijević: Illegal firearms are undoubtedly a major factor.The sheer volume of unregulated weapons in private hands significantly increases the risk of violence. Montenegro must prioritize a extensive gun confiscation programme, coupled with stricter background checks and licensing requirements for legal firearm ownership. This won’t be easy, requiring both political will and effective law enforcement to enforce these measures.
Sarah Thompson: The recent tragedy has sparked national debate about the need for stricter gun control. How realistic is it to expect significant change in Montenegro’s gun laws?
Dr. Jelena Dimitrijević: The shooting in Cetinje has undeniably brought the issue of gun control to the forefront of the national conversation. Public pressure for change is mounting, and I believe there is a window of prospect for meaningful reform. However, overcoming deeply rooted cultural norms and potentially powerful vested interests will be challenging.
sarah Thompson: What about the broader context of Balkan security? Does Montenegro’s situation reflect a wider trend in the region?
Dr. Jelena Dimitrijević: While Montenegro faces unique challenges, the prevalence of illegal firearms and the vulnerability to gun violence is a regional concern. Neighboring countries like Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina also struggle with similar issues. A coordinated regional approach is essential to effectively combat the trafficking and use of illegal weapons.
Sarah Thompson: Dr.Dimitrijević, what message would you give to the people of Montenegro in the wake of this tragedy?
Dr. Jelena Dimitrijević: This is a time of immense grief and pain for Montenegro. While healing will take time, it is important to remember the strength of your communities. Demand accountability from your leaders, demand action on gun control, and work together to build a safer and more secure future.
This interview provides a starting point for deeper understanding the complexities of Montenegro’s gun violence crisis.The road to implementing lasting solutions will be long and challenging, but the voices of those demanding change must be heard.
