At Least 9 Injured in Protests in Montenegro

Shots were fired in Podgorica’s main square. At least 9 people were injured in the protests, including a policeman and a photographer.

The Serb List, the Socialist People’s Party, the National Party and the Democratic Serb Party staged a protest in Montenegro’s capital at 6pm on Monday, radio B92 reported.

Protesters who gathered in front of the Montenegrin Assembly tore down the protective fence and threw firecrackers and flares on police. At least nine people were injured, including a policeman and a photographer. The people who gathered for the protest dispersed after police decided to strike back.

The protesters were held back in front of the Assembly building.

Protesrets demand a referendum or new elections

According to the Serbian media, shots could be heard, but it is not sure that this was from firecrackers ot from the police shooting tear gas.

Some 10,000 people gathered in the centre of Podgorica to voice dissatisfaction with the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. They carried Serbian sign and sang Chetnik songs.

The Montenegrin opposition said they would demand of the government to withdraw its decision to recognise Kosovo, as well as to issue a referendum.

Representatives of the Serb Orthodox Church also joined in the protest.

Veselin Veljkovic, police chief, said the organisers of the protest had been informed that they would be held responsible for the safe course of the protest.