Danilo Marunović: Deported from Serbia after 12 hours of questioning – freedom of speech under attack!
Is freedom of speech in Serbia just an empty phrase? Montenegrin director and columnist Danilo Marunović spent nearly 12 hours being interrogated by Serbian security services, only to be abruptly deported from the country and banned from entering Serbia for a whole year! And all because of his column published just a day before!
Shocking Interrogation
Marunović was detained this morning by agents of the Serbian Intelligence Agency (BIA) at the Opera Hotel in Belgrade, where he was staying. Agents stormed his room and took him for questioning that lasted almost half a day. His father, Slobodan Marunović, confirmed the information, but neither he nor the public received any official explanation for the detention.
Deportation and Entry Ban
After the exhausting interrogation, Marunović was escorted to the border with North Macedonia, where he was handed a document ordering his immediate deportation and banning him from entering Serbia for one year.
The Cause: A Critical Column
The whole ordeal reportedly started because of his column published the day before, in which he critically wrote about the influence of the Serbian government and President Aleksandar Vučić on Montenegro. Marunović is known for his sharp criticism of the regime and its ties with Serbian authorities, which apparently did not sit well in Belgrade.
Reactions and Concern
This case has sparked a storm of reactions across the region. Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the actions of Serbian authorities and demanded an explanation. Human rights activists and media freedom advocates warn that this is yet another sign that freedom of expression in Serbia is seriously under threat.
Cultural War and Pressure on Artists
Marunović is not just a columnist but also the director of the play “Gospoda Glembajevi,” which was supposed to premiere at the National Theatre in Belgrade. His detention and deportation send a clear message: critical voices, especially artistic ones, are not welcome.
What’s Happening to Freedom of Speech?
Is this the beginning of a new era where artists and journalists will be punished for free expression? Will Serbia become a country where criticism of the government is met with exile?
Conclusion
Danilo Marunović is just one of many who have felt the pressure of the regime. His case is a wake-up call for everyone who believes in democracy and freedom of speech. If such cases continue, freedom of speech in the region will be seriously endangered.
So, what do you think? Is this just the beginning or a déjà vu scenario? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or just throw in a sarcastic meme – because hey, if we can’t laugh, what’s left for us?
