Montenegro Grapples wiht Gun Violence After Deadly Shooting
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Montenegro is reeling from a devastating shooting rampage that claimed the lives of 12 people in the town of Cetinje, marking the second such tragedy to strike the small balkan country in less than three years. In response to this horrific event, the nation’s National Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Friday to address the issue of illegal weapons and discuss potential solutions.
The gunman, identified as 45-year-old Aco Martinović, used an illegal 9mm pistol to carry out the attack. He fatally shot seven men, three women — including his own sister — and two children, ages five and fourteen. Four more individuals sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized. Martinović ultimately took his own life after the shooting spree.
This tragedy has thrown a spotlight on Montenegro’s deeply entrenched gun culture. Reports indicate that the country ranks sixth globally in terms of illegal weapon ownership per capita,emphasizing the urgent need for stricter gun control measures.
“This is one of the biggest tragedies in the history of Montenegro,” declared Police Commissioner Lazar Šćepanović,expressing the profound sense of grief and shock that has gripped the nation.
The emergency meeting of Montenegro’s National Security Council is expected to result in calls for a new gun law and sweeping measures to confiscate the vast number of illegal firearms believed to be in circulation amongst Montenegro’s 620,000 citizens.
Tragedy Strikes montenegro Again: Renewed Calls for Action on Gun Violence
A mass shooting in Cetinje,Montenegro has left seven people dead,including the gunman,reigniting concerns about violence and gun control in the country. The tragedy, which occured on friday, has sent shockwaves through the nation, prompting grief, anger, and demands for answers. Hundreds gathered across Montenegro on Thursday evening,holding candlelit vigils in memory of the victims and calling for a deeper understanding of why such tragedies continue to happen. Many expressed frustration with the perceived inaction of authorities, vowing to stage protests in the coming days. “I can’t believe that we failed so much as a society. We failed as people too,” said Mira Škorić, a retiree from Podgorica, reflecting the sentiment of many citizens.A Grim Echo of the Past
this latest shooting echoes a chilling event that transpired in August 2022. Back then, a gunman opened fire in Cetinje, killing 10 people, including two children, before being fatally shot by a bystander. The Human Rights Action and Women’s Rights Center groups have issued a statement demanding a thorough examination of the security system’s preparedness and duty. “What has changed in the security system in Cetinje since 2022?” they asked. Police have maintained that the recent shooting was not premeditated and unfeasible to foresee or prevent, citing the perpetrator’s history of violent behavior, illegal weapons possession, and previous psychiatric treatment. However, vesna Pejović, a Cetinje resident who tragically lost her daughter and two grandchildren in the 2022 shooting, argued that authorities should have done more to protect citizens after the first incident. “What kind of state and system is this where children are getting killed? Are we at war?” she questioned. “Where were the police?”## Interview with Security Expert on Montenegro Shooting
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**Host:** Welcome back to Archiyde Insights. Today, we are grappling with the unimaginable – the senseless shooting in Cetinje, Montenegro that claimed the lives of twelve innocent people. Joining us today is Dr.maria Ivanovic, a leading security expert with a focus on Balkan security issues. Dr.Ivanovic,thank you for being here.
**Dr. Ivanovic:** Thank you for having me. It’s a tragedy that shook not just Montenegro,but the entire region.
**Host:** Absolutely. This is the second mass shooting in Montenegro in recent years. What does this tell us about the state of gun violence in the country?
**Dr. Ivanovic:** It’s a stark warning sign.[[1](https://balkaninsight.com/2023/05/10/montenegro-tightens-school-controls-after-mass-shootings-in-serbia/)]highlights the increasing concern over youth violence and access to illegal weapons. This tragedy, though, underscores a deeper issue: the easy availability of firearms, even in a country like Montenegro which has strict gun control policies.
**Host:** We certainly know the gunman used an illegal 9mm pistol. What measures can Montenegro take to address this issue of illegal weapons?
**Dr. Ivanovic:** This is a complex challenge. Montenegro needs to focus on several key areas: strengthening border controls to prevent the inflow of illegal firearms, introducing tougher penalties for illegal gun possession and trafficking, and investing in programs that address the root causes of violence, such as socio-economic inequality and lack of chance.
**Host:** The National Security Council held an emergency meeting after the shooting. What are some potential solutions being discussed?
**Dr. Ivanovic:** While specific details haven’t been released,it’s likely that they’re exploring a multi-faceted approach – tightening existing gun control laws,enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries to combat arms trafficking,and potentially launching initiatives to promote responsible gun ownership and safe storage practices.
**Host:** This tragedy is incredibly painful for the victims’ families and the community as a whole. What can be done to support them in the aftermath of such a horrific event?
**Dr. Ivanovic:** Providing immediate psycho-social support is crucial. This includes grief counseling, trauma therapy, and access to mental health services. Long-term support is also essential – assisting families with legal and financial matters, creating community spaces for healing and remembrance, and developing programs to prevent future tragedies.
**Host:** Dr. Ivanovic, thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on this difficult topic. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
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## Interview: Montenegro Grapples with Gun Violence
**Archyde News**
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today we’re discussing the tragic shooting in Cetinje, montenegro, which left 12 people dead and several others injured. Joining us today is [Alex Reed Name] a [Expert Title] with extensive knowledge of the region and its challenges. [Alex Reed Name], thank you for joining us.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** This shooting is the second such tragedy in Cetinje in just under a year. Can you give us context on the situation in montenegro regarding gun violence?
**Alex Reed:** This is indeed a devastating event that has shaken Montenegro to its core. sadly, this incident is not an isolated one. Montenegro faces a meaningful challenge with gun violence,largely stemming from a deeply ingrained culture surrounding firearm ownership.reports indicate that Montenegro ranks among the countries with the highest rates of illegal firearm possession per capita globally. This easy access to weapons creates a volatile situation.
**Interviewer:** The suspected gunman, Aco martinović, used an illegal 9mm pistol in the attack. What steps, if any, are being taken to address the issue of illegal weapon ownership in Montenegro?
**Alex Reed:** The government has announced an emergency meeting of the National Security Council to discuss this very issue.
It’s expected that this meeting will lead to calls for stricter gun control measures, including a new gun law and potentially even a nationwide confiscation program targeting illegal weapons. Though, implementing such measures will be a challenging task given the prevalence of firearms in Montenegrin society.
**Interviewer:** How has the Montenegrin public reacted to this tragedy?
**Alex Reed:** There is a profound sense of grief and anger across Montenegro. Hundreds gathered for candlelit vigils in memory of the victims and to demand answers. Many are frustrated with the perceived lack of action from authorities following the previous shooting in 2022, vowing to stage protests in the coming days. The frustration is palpable. People are demanding change and accountability.
**Interviewer:** this incident occurs just a year after another mass shooting in Cetinje. What needs to happen to prevent future tragedies like these?
**Alex Reed:** This is a complex issue that demands a multi-faceted approach. Tightening gun control laws is crucial, but it’s not enough. There’s a need for a broader societal conversation about violence,mental health support,and addressing the root causes of such tragedies.
The government must also investigate whether security systems and protocols were adequate and identify areas for improvement. Ultimately, preventing future tragedies requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, from the government to individuals and community organizations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, [Alex Reed Name], for providing these insights into this incredibly arduous situation. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
