The 13th July Award in Montenegro Turned into an Absurd Circus!
Have you ever heard of the most important state award being given to a book that doesn’t even exist? Well, in Montenegro, that just happened! Bećir Vuković, the recipient of the 13th July Award, a prize symbolizing anti-fascism and civic values, was awarded for a work that is not precisely identified, unpublished, and none of the jury members have even read it! Yes, you read that right – the award was given to a non-existent book!
But that’s not all. Vuković publicly denies the Montenegrin nation and mocks the state that awarded him this recognition. Is it possible that a state that cherishes anti-fascist values rewards someone who opposes those values? This is the first major paradox of this scandal.
The second paradox is that Veljo Stanišić, one of the laureates, took the opportunity to insult the award recipient while refusing to be part of this circus himself. He showed his true face of hatred towards the Roma community, which is yet another proof that this award is used for political instrumentalization and spreading intolerance.
The third paradox is that the President of the Montenegrin Parliament, a symbol of decades-long hatred towards national minorities, welcomes guests with a smile while citizens outside the Vila Gorica are choking on pepper spray and tear gas. This is a picture of fake Europeanism and acceptance of an award from the hands of an autocratic regime, while ignoring the Independence Day of the country.
Besides these paradoxes, there are numerous other issues: illegality of the award granting, as by law only one award per field is allowed, but this year three were given in the cultural-artistic field; political instrumentalization of the jury ignoring references and achievements of other candidates; and a complete lack of transparency and accountability of the authorities.
This affair has become a symbol of the compromise of one of the most important state recognitions. Miloš Karadaglić, a famous guitarist who refused the award, showed that fame can be earned by work and talent, not politics and connections. His energy and principles are a true civic lesson for all of us.
Montenegro is a state of all its citizens and cherishes the values of July 13th. But until this year’s award granting is annulled, civic strength must be united and demand justice and integrity. Because before they destroy the state, we will destroy them!
If you think this is just another political drama, think again. This is a fight for the soul of Montenegro. And you, what do you think about this scandal? Is it possible that such things happen in the 21st century? Share your thoughts, maybe together we’ll find a solution!
Key details:
- Award given to Bećir Vuković for a non-existent book
- Vuković denies Montenegrin nation and award values
- Veljo Stanišić insults the recipient and shows hatred towards Roma
- President of Montenegrin Parliament symbol of hatred towards minorities
- Illegal awarding of three prizes in one field
- Political instrumentalization of the jury and ignoring other candidates
- Miloš Karadaglić refused the award, emphasizing work and talent
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Call for civic solidarity and preservation of award integrity
