Citizens and police clashed on July 8 in Podgorica during a protest against the awarding of the “13 July” prize to writer Beqir Vuković, who denies the existence of a Montenegrin nation and supports the Chetnik movement.

Montenegrin police used chemical agents and physically blocked demonstrators from entering the Gorica state villa, where the award ceremony was being held. The protest lasted nearly three hours.

Director Danilo Marunović, who led the protest, addressed the crowd, saying:
“Tonight, our police treated us brutally, like the worst criminals. This cannot end here.”

Police stated that during the unauthorized gathering organized by the informal group “STEGA”, officers were attacked and one was injured. Authorities said they will identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence.

Several hundred citizens attempted to break the police cordon and reach the villa. Protesters threw eggs and stones after officers used pepper spray twice. The crowd chanted “Fascists,” “Treason,” “Mandić, fascist,” and sang the Montenegrin national anthem.

Journalists from Radio Free Europe reported that several protesters experienced breathing difficulties due to the pepper spray, including Aleksandar Radoman, dean of the Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature, who was hospitalized.

The “13 July” prize is awarded in honor of Montenegro’s Statehood Day, commemorating the anti-fascist uprising of July 13, 1941, and is meant to recognize works that reflect Montenegrin values.

For the protesters, awarding this symbol of anti-fascism to Vuković was unacceptable, as he has glorified Chetnik leader Draža Mihailović, who collaborated with fascist forces in WWII, calling him the “leader of the third Serbian uprising.”

Vuković has also supported the pro-Russian Democratic Front led by Andrija Mandić, calling it “the only truth in Montenegro’s turbulent political sky.” He has denied the existence of a Montenegrin nation, claiming it was invented by Komintern, the Moscow-based Communist International founded in 1919.

In addition to Vuković, graphic artist Velo Stanišić also received the award. The prizes were presented by Andrija Mandić, Speaker of the Montenegrin Parliament, who stated:
“Your actions, dedication, and success symbolize what ‘13 July’ should represent in the 21st century.”

A third laureate, world-renowned classical guitarist Miloš Karadaglić, refused to accept the award.

Accusations of Police Brutality

The opposition Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) condemned the police response, calling it a low point for Montenegrin law enforcement.

“This dark period will pass, but it will be remembered who served Andrija Mandić and his masters in Belgrade, and who stood to defend a civic, modern Montenegro,” DPS stated.

The Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature sent a letter to the EU, U.S., and UK ambassadors in Montenegro, expressing deep concern over the “excessive use of force” during the protest. The letter noted that the faculty’s dean was among those injured.