Police said the operation was part of efforts to prevent “all forms of malicious activity,” including attempts at “destabilization” that may be linked to “foreign elements.”
Montenegrin police turned back a plane from Belgrade carrying supporters of Aleksandar Vučić’s regime. Authorities pledged a firm response to attempts at “destabilization” ahead of the EU-Western Balkans summit, BGNES reported.
Police in the port town of Tivat, where European and Western Balkan leaders are due to meet on Friday, said they had refused entry to around 90 men who arrived on a flight from Belgrade. According to the authorities, they “would pose a risk to internal and national security.”
Police said the operation was part of efforts to prevent “all forms of malicious activity,” including attempts at “destabilization” that may be linked to “foreign elements.” Their ultimate aim, according to the authorities, is to undermine the stability of the state and slow down the European integration process.
During the inspection, officers found a radio device, a banner bearing the slogan of Serbia’s ruling party, and evidence that several of the men were known to have taken part in pro-government rallies and events in Belgrade.
“These are individuals who have attended numerous public gatherings assessed as high security risk,” Montenegro’s Police Directorate and National Security Agency said.
Some of the men have criminal records involving violence.
For more than a year, Aleksandar Vučić’s regime has faced protests in Serbia, while violence against demonstrators has become more frequent.
Vučić is expected to attend the summit in Montenegro alongside other European leaders and EU representatives.
Despite its formal ambitions to join the EU, Belgrade maintains close ties with Moscow and promotes the geopolitical project known as the “Serbian World,” aimed at asserting hegemony in the Balkans. | BGNES