19 police officers suspended in Montenegro

(Patria) - Minister of Internal Affairs of Montenegro Danilo Šaranović suspended 19 police officers, while disciplinary proceedings are expected to be initiated in the coming days against other officers who have not passed security checks, which is a legal requirement for suspension.

"The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) has achieving full functionality of control mechanisms at all levels as one of its primary goals.

Given that the MUP and the Police Directorate are facing the reality of the deprivation of liberty of two former police directors, two former assistant directors, and dozens of police officers charged with various criminal offenses, achieving the full integrity of this body and the absolute decriminalization of the police remains our focus," the MUP of Montenegro announced.

In this regard, the Commission for Checking Security Obstacles for Performing Police Work in the MUP determined that there are security obstacles for further work for 44 police officers, in accordance with Article 162 of the Law on Internal Affairs.

A smaller number of officers who did not pass the check are in pre-trial detention or on sick leave, during which the aforementioned legal mechanisms cannot be implemented.

"We remind that security obstacles for further work within the meaning of Article 162 of the Law exist if a police officer is registered as a user of narcotic drugs or maintains connections with persons who unlawfully collect secret and other data, terrorists, saboteurs, members of organized criminal groups, or persons who are reasonably suspected of belonging to such groups," the MUP stated.

They state that they remain committed to eradicating corruption and crime from their ranks because it is a legal, professional, and moral obligation, both towards all citizens and towards those police officers who perform their duties honorably, professionally, and in accordance with the law.