The Higher State Prosecutor’s Office in Podgorica dismissed a criminal complaint filed by several NGOs against Metropolitan Joanikije and others for alleged incitement of hatred. The complaint was filed by organizations seeking sanctions against the glorification of the Chetnik movement as hate speech, but the prosecutor’s office found no elements of a criminal offense. The decision sparked varied reactions in the public, with some NGOs and activists expressing dissatisfaction, while others see it as a legal affirmation of freedom of speech. The topic is controversial and tied to broader social and political tensions in Montenegro regarding national and religious issues.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the importance of holding public figures accountable for hate speech and criticize the dismissal as a setback for minority rights and social justice. They highlight the role of NGOs in protecting vulnerable groups and warn against the normalization of nationalist rhetoric.
Center: Center-leaning sources report the facts of the dismissal and present balanced views, noting the legal reasoning behind the prosecutor’s decision. They discuss the controversy surrounding the glorification of historical movements and the challenges of balancing freedom of speech with preventing hate speech.
Right: Right-leaning sources frame the dismissal as a victory for freedom of expression and criticize the NGOs as politically motivated actors attempting to suppress national identity and traditional values. They often portray the NGOs as biased and accuse them of fomenting social division.
