A recent top-level meeting in Montenegro focused on addressing the issue of illegal weapons following a devastating shooting incident that claimed the lives of 12 individuals. This marks the second such tragedy in less than three years in the small Balkan country.
The National Security Council of Montenegro held an emergency session to discuss implementing a new gun law and taking urgent measures to confiscate the reportedly abundant illegal weapons in the possession of the country's 620,000 citizens.
Montenegro has a deeply ingrained gun culture, with reports indicating that it ranks sixth globally in terms of illegal weapons per capita. The gunman responsible for the recent shooting spree in the town of Cetinje used an illegal 9 mm gun, leaving behind 37 casings at the crime scenes and carrying over 80 additional rounds of ammunition.
The tragic incident, perpetrated by a 45-year-old man named Aco Martinovic, resulted in the deaths of seven men, three women (including his sister), and two children. Four others sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized.
Law enforcement officials have described the shooting as one of the most significant tragedies in Montenegro's history, sparking concerns about societal violence and the country's political divisions. The incident has also raised questions about the effectiveness of state institutions in addressing issues such as gun ownership.
Following the shooting, a wave of public mourning and demands for accountability swept across Montenegro, with citizens expressing anger at the perceived lack of preventive measures taken by authorities. Candlelight vigils were held in memory of the victims, while calls for justice and improved security measures echoed throughout the nation.
The recent shooting incident comes on the heels of a similar massacre in 2022, further underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive review of Montenegro's security system and preparedness to prevent such tragedies in the future.
While police have stated that Martinovic's actions were not premeditated and could not have been predicted, his history of violent behavior, illegal weapons possession, and past psychiatric treatment have raised concerns about the adequacy of monitoring individuals with such backgrounds.
The community, still reeling from the loss of innocent lives, is demanding accountability and concrete actions to prevent future tragedies. The tragic events have prompted soul-searching and calls for a more robust security system to safeguard Montenegro's citizens from senseless violence.
