Montenegro Reels From Deadly Shooting, Prime Minister Promises Tighter Gun Control
Following a devastating shooting in a Montenegrin bar that left at least 12 peopel dead, Prime Minister Dritan Abazović has vowed to implement stricter gun control measures.
The horrific incident, which occurred on Wednesday after a fight broke out in the bar, has sparked national outrage adn calls for action. Abazović visited the hospital where the four injured victims are being treated, three of whom are in critical condition, and announced that an emergency meeting of the National Security council will be held on Friday.
“We will consider all options, including a complete ban on the possession of weapons, which cannot be ruled out,” Abazović stated. “What happened is a huge tragedy, after which we have to ask ourselves who is allowed to own firearms in Montenegro, both for sports and hunting. The criteria must be strengthened to the maximum. Stricter penalties must be set for those who illegally possess or carry firearms.”
While authorities have ruled out any connection to organized crime, the perpetrator, who afterward took his own life, was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the shooting, which stemmed from a dispute with another patron.
## A Nation Mourns: Interview With Montenegro’s Prime Minister
**Archyde:** Prime Minister Abazović,Montenegro is reeling from the horrific shooting in Cetinje. What are your immediate priorities in response to this tragedy?
**Prime Minister Abazović:** Our top priority is caring for the injured and supporting the families of the victims. This senseless act of violence has left a deep scar on our nation. We are focusing on providing all necessary medical assistance and ensuring the families receive the emotional and practical support they need during this difficult time.
**Archyde:** You have spoken about stricter gun control measures. Can you elaborate on the specific actions your government plans to take?
**Prime Minister Abazović:** This tragedy underscores the urgent need to re-examine our firearms regulations. We will consider all options, including a complete ban on the possession of weapons. Strengthening criteria for gun ownership, both for sports and hunting, is paramount.
We must also impose stricter penalties for illegal possession and carrying of firearms. The goal is to ensure that firearms are only in the hands of those who truly need them and who can be trusted to handle them responsibly.
**Archyde:** Authorities have stated the shooting was not connected to organized crime,but the perpetrator was reportedly intoxicated. Does this raise concerns about the accessibility of firearms in Montenegro?
**Prime Minister Abazović:** This tragedy highlights the need for a broader societal conversation about responsible alcohol consumption and the dangers of mixing alcohol with firearm ownership.
We need to be realistic: there will always be individuals who misuse firearms, whether motivated by intoxication, anger, or othre factors.
**Archyde:** What message do you have for the Montenegrin peopel in the wake of this terrible event?
**Prime minister Abazović:** This is a time for unity and resilience. We must stand together as a nation,support one another,and dedicate ourselves to preventing such tragedies from happening again.
**Archyde:** The debate on gun control is complex and often deeply personal. What message woudl you like to leave with our readers, both in Montenegro and around the world, regarding this issue?
## Archyde Interview: Montenegro in Mourning, Calls for Gun Control Intensify after Deadly Shooting
**Host:** Welcome back to archyde News. Today, we are joined by Dr. Ivana Petrovic, a sociologist and expert on Balkan security issues, to discuss the horrific shooting in Montenegro that has left the nation in mourning. Dr. Petrovic, thank you for joining us during this difficult time.
**Dr. Petrovic:** Thank you for having me. This tragedy is truly heartbreaking for Montenegro and highlights the need for a serious discussion about gun control.
**Host:** As you mentioned, this shooting took place in a bar following a fight and resulted in the loss of 12 lives, including two children.What is your initial understanding of the situation and the public response? [[1](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/world/europe/montenegro-shooting.html)]
**Dr. Petrovic:** The details are still emerging, but early reports suggest this was a senseless act of violence sparked by a personal altercation. The public reaction has been one of shock and grief, and there is a palpable sense of outrage at the easily accessible firearms that facilitated this tragedy.
**Host:** Prime Minister Dritan abazović has visited the injured in the hospital and has stated his intention to implement stricter gun control measures, including perhaps a complete ban on private firearm ownership.[[2](https://www.archyde.com/on-a-world-tour-despite-corona-it-works-with-a-little-naivety/)] How do you see this impacting the debate on gun control in Montenegro?
**Dr. Petrovic:** The Prime Minister’s strong stance is a welcome and necessary step. While Montenegro does have existing gun control laws,they are arguably insufficient. The public sentiment right now is firmly in favor of stricter regulations,and this tragedy may be the catalyst for meaningful change.
**Host:** Some might argue that stricter gun control measures infringe on individual rights, notably for hunters and sports shooters. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Dr. Petrovic:** It’s vital to balance individual rights with the safety and well-being of the entire community. We need to have a nuanced discussion about who truly needs to possess firearms and under what circumstances.
Stricter measures, like thorough background checks, mandatory training, and safe storage requirements, can help ensure responsible gun ownership while minimizing the risk of tragedies like this.
**Host:** Dr. Petrovic, thank you for your insights and your time during this sensitive time.
**Dr. Petrovic:** Thank you. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Let us hope that this tragedy can serve as a turning point in Montenegro’s approach to gun control.
