Imam in Pljevlja Kadribašić: This is no longer euphoria, but fascism

(Patria) - Attacks on Bosniaks in Pljevlja are not subsiding, and last night the premises of the Islamic Community in Pljevlja were targeted, with windows broken and a message of horrific content thrown inside – “A black bird has flown, Pljevlja will be Srebrenica,” reports Al Jazeera. 

The information and photos of the attack's aftermath were posted on Facebook this morning by the chief imam of the Majlis in Pljevlja, Samir Kadribašić, who warned of severe consequences if the nationalist rampage on the streets of Montenegrin cities after the opposition's victory is not stopped.

“This was, as they say, a red line that was crossed. There are no more boundaries. I warn that I can no longer control anyone, not after this. Until now, I have tried, calmed, softened the situation in statements and called for reason, to put an end to everything, but I can no longer. I can no longer control any living person. God willing, this will end well,” Kadribašić told Al Jazeera.

Although a series of incidents and attacks on Bosniaks have occurred in Pljevlja in the past few days, Kadribašić claims that they are not the only ones endangered.

“Everyone is endangered, not just Bosniaks, Montenegrins, Croats… Everyone is endangered. Until now, there have been no major incidents here. I tried to attribute what has happened so far to the euphoria after the opposition's election victory, but this is no longer euphoria. This is fascism in which no one can feel safe anymore. Many called me this morning and it is clear that no one in Montenegro feels safe anymore,” he added.

Kadribašić claims he sent a clear message to the head of the Pljevlja police, whose officers arrived at the scene this morning.

“I told him that I would hold him personally responsible if this case is not resolved, because what happened is terrible, and he replied that 'social networks are to blame.' Well, social networks are not to blame for them not being there for two nights to stop the mob that was provoking and cursing in the city,” claims the imam from Pljevlja.

He also added that this morning he sent a message to Dritan Abazović, whose Civic Movement URA won four seats in parliament in the elections, which according to calculations provide the deciding vote in forming the government. Abazović supports the opposition.

“Montenegro could take a big step backward. I forwarded the messages and pictures to Dritan this morning. He saw what it was about. If this is how he intends to go into the future and how we will live, then let him do whatever he wants. He replied to me with only one word – ‘terrible’. And that was all,” Kadribašić adds.

He reiterated that the situation in Montenegro after the elections reminds him of the 90s, but he still expressed hope that reason will prevail.

“Honestly, few can predict how things will develop. It is true that many compare this situation to the situation at the beginning of the 90s, but I don't believe that an escalation of violence or some wider inter-ethnic conflict could happen. However, people are in fear, because things are going too far for now,” he added.