Mass shootings in Montenegro spark urgent calls for tighter gun laws

January 12, 2025 - Two horrific mass shootings have rocked Montenegro, fuelling fresh debate over the nation’s gun laws. In just over two years, the small Balkan country has witnessed 23 lives lost in senseless violence, with critics pointing to lax regulations and inadequate police action.

The first tragedy occurred in August 2022, when 34-year-old Vuk Borilović used a legally owned hunting rifle to kill 10 people in Cetinje. This was followed by another massacre on January 1, when Aco Martinović shot 12 people before taking his own life. Both cases have exposed deep cracks in the country’s firearm controls and law enforcement practices.

Guns in a nation on edge

Montenegro has one of the highest rates of gun ownership in Europe, with over 100,000 legally registered firearms and an estimated 80,000 illegal ones. Despite mounting pressure, the government has struggled to curb this alarming trend.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has vowed to introduce stricter gun laws and launched an amnesty for illegal firearms. However, with legal gun ownership numbers rising—nearly 70,000 licences issued last year alone—many are questioning whether tougher laws will be enough.

Failing the victims

Both shooters had prior run-ins with the law, including allegations of violence and illegal firearm possession. Yet, no significant action was taken to disarm them. Critics, including the NGO Action for Human Rights, have condemned the authorities, claiming the tragedies could have been prevented with timely intervention.

In response to growing public outrage, the government has promised to fast-track legislation aimed at improving firearm regulation. A draft proposal includes harsher penalties for unlicensed gun owners and mandatory psychological assessments for licence renewals.

Public demands action

The killings have also reignited interest in the stalled Marko and Mašan Law, named after two young victims of the 2022 massacre. Advocates say the proposed legislation, which includes stricter penalties and mandatory mental health screenings, is crucial to preventing further bloodshed.

But despite public backing, including over 4,000 petition signatures, the law remains bogged down in red tape. This delay has only added to public frustration, with many accusing the government of dragging its feet.