WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
This morning, the Center for Civil Rights filed criminal charges with the ODT and VDT against the Serbian Orthodox Church, priest Pajsi Đerković and Serbian Ambassador to Montenegro Nebojša Rodić for, as they claim, the misuse of Duklja.
The CGP believes that the SPC and Đerković organized an event at the protected cultural site of Duklja without authorization and that is why they filed charges.
A charge was filed against Rodić for, as they claim, "the unauthorized organization of a religious-political gathering at the protected cultural site of Duklja, held on April 27, 2025, which is under the protection of the state of Montenegro, which represented a serious violation of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Heritage, as well as an attempt to falsify historical facts."
A public request was also sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Minister Ervin Ibrahimović to investigate the participation of the Serbian Ambassador in the event in Duklja on 27.04.2025. which, they believe, is in contradiction with the legislation of Montenegro and in contradiction with the norms of international relations.
The letter also states:
"On April 27, 2025, the Serbian Orthodox Church, led by priest Pajsi Đerković, organized an event at the archaeological site of Duklja in Podgorica. During this event, those present made political and ideological claims that falsified historical facts, including claims about Duklja as the "first Serbian state". This event took place without the approval of the competent state authorities, which is a violation of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Property.
This event not only violated legal norms, but also seriously endangered the cultural heritage of Montenegro, abusing the protected site for political and ideological purposes.
In addition, the ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Nebojša Rodić, which not only violated the law, but his role raised the issue of disrespect for the sovereignty of Montenegro and diplomatic norms."
Furthermore, the Center states as legal violations:
1. Violation of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Property:
According to Article 38 of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Property of Montenegro, cultural property that has been used in an unlawful manner cannot be the subject of acquisition or appropriation. Also, according to Article 39, cultural property is managed only by competent authorities with approval, which was not the case in this case.
2. Criminal offense of destruction or damage to cultural property:
According to Article 253a of the Criminal Code of Montenegro, if damage to cultural property has occurred, the reported actors may be liable for destruction or damage to cultural property. We believe that those present attempted to misuse the cultural property and historical heritage of Montenegro for political purposes.
3. Violation of the Law on Diplomatic Relations:
Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia Nebojša Rodić for participating in this unauthorized event, which may constitute a violation international and diplomatic norms, and a violation of the sovereignty of Montenegro.
In the application, they outlined the following demands:
"Given the seriousness of the situation, we request that the Prosecutor's Office of Montenegro urgently initiate an investigation in relation to:
The Serbian Orthodox Church - Church of Serbia, due to the unauthorized organization of an event at the protected cultural site of Duklja, which represents a serious violation of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Property and other legal norms.
Priest Pajsi Đerković, as the organizer of the event, who is responsible for the unauthorized use of a protected cultural property and political misuse and falsification of history.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Nebojša Rodić, for his participation in an event that is contrary to the legislation of Montenegro and international norms.
We ask you to take appropriate measures against the responsible actors, in order to ensure the protection of the cultural heritage of Montenegro, as well as respect for its sovereignty.
Given the seriousness of this situation, we expect that appropriate steps will be urgently taken and an investigation will be conducted in order to protect the cultural heritage of Montenegro and preserve the truth about its history."
