Podgorica, (MINA) - More than a hundred NGOs, civil rights activists and representatives of the academic and cultural community have condemned a series of incidents in Podgorica and other Montenegrin cities, directed against Turkish citizens and their property.

In a joint press release, the signatories expressed their concern over the recent developments in Podgorica and other cities and strongly condemned all forms of violence, discrimination and hate speech.

“Incidents that have taken place since October 25, but also those that preceded them, including physical attacks, inciting national and religious intolerance, demolishing business premises owned by Turkish citizens, and burning cars, represent not only a violation of the law, but also a direct attack on fundamental human rights, dignity and social peace in our country”, the press release said.

The press release stated that these incidents were accompanied by hate speech on social media and in public space, including chants calling for the murder of Turkish citizens, which, as pointed out, represents direct incitement of national and religious hatred that must be treated as a criminal offense.

Representatives of NGOs, academia, culture and civil society expressed particular concern over the organized protest of citizens in Podgorica, which was secured by the police, and created a threatening atmosphere in neighborhoods with large Turkish population.

According to them, it was not just a spontaneous event, but an organized act which, under police protection, sent a message of intolerance and encouraged further incidents.

The signatories called for the immediate and impartial prosecution of all involved in these incidents.