Montenegro protests: Thousands call for resignations after Cetinje shooting

January 6, 2025 — Thousands of people took to the streets of Cetinje and Podgorica on Sunday, demanding the resignation of key officials after a mass shooting in Cetinje left 12 people dead on New Year’s Day.

Protesters held candles and banners, accusing political leaders of failing to protect citizens. They called for the resignations of Interior Minister Danilo Šaranović and Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić, who oversees security and defence.

The gunman, 45-year-old Aco Martinović, killed 12 people, including his sister, after reportedly drinking heavily. He avoided capture for hours before taking his own life early Thursday morning.

This is the second mass shooting in Cetinje in less than three years. In August 2022, a gunman killed 10 people, including two children, before police shot him dead.

Protesters criticised the government for slow reforms in policing, pointing to a lack of staff and resources. “We’ve had enough of excuses. We need change now,” one protester said.

The student group “Kamo Sutra” (Where to Next) organised the protest, saying they are not linked to any political party. Their demands include stricter gun control, a review of all firearm permits, and the reinstatement of civic education in schools.

The government has not yet responded to the protesters’ demands, but pressure is mounting for action to improve public safety.