Supreme State Prosecutor's Office of Montenegro: Every instance of hate speech will be prosecuted and sanctioned

The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office of Montenegro announced that every form of hate speech, calls for violence, and incitement of national and religious intolerance will be prosecuted and sanctioned in accordance with the law.

As stated, state prosecutors intensively monitored all events during the celebration of Independence Day with the aim of preserving public order and peace, protecting citizens, and preventing all forms of hate speech and incitement to intolerance.

During the holiday period, two cases were opened based on suspicion that the criminal offense of inciting national, racial, and religious hatred had been committed.

- One case was opened against six minors, while in the second case investigations are ongoing regarding suspicion that the same criminal offense was committed - the Prosecutor’s Office announced.

The statement further notes that, upon the orders of the competent state prosecutor’s offices, investigative actions are being carried out and information is being collected concerning all posts published during the holidays that contain elements of hate speech, in order to determine possible criminal or misdemeanor liability.

The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office warned that hate speech and behavior that incite national, racial, and religious hatred represent a serious social problem that can endanger interethnic and interreligious relations, the stability of society, and the rights of citizens.

- The state prosecutor’s offices will continue, in cooperation with other state authorities, to react decisively and without delay in all cases of hate speech, incitement of intolerance, and other forms of conduct that threaten peace, security, and harmonious interethnic relations in Montenegro - the statement concluded.