16 Mar 2019 | 11:06 AM UTC
Montenegro: Anti-government march planned in Podgorica March 16 /update 1
Anti-government march planned in Podgorica March 16, with similar protests expected on subsequent Saturdays; heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions likely along march route
Event
Members of opposition groups and civil society organizations are planning to stage a protest march in the vicinity of Independence Square beginning at 18:00 (local time) on Saturday, March 16, to denounce the perceived unresponsiveness of government to citizens' concerns and to demand that the leaders of the current government resign. For security reasons, demonstrations have been relocated away from Independence Square.
Demonstrations are to be anticipated in Podgorica over the coming weeks, especially on Saturdays. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protests.
Context
The March 16 protests, organized by the "97,000 Resist" movement, follow March 2 protests that drew crowds in excess of 10,000 participants. President Milo Đukanović has ruled the country in some capacity since 1991; protesters seek his resignation from office.
Advice
Individuals in Podgorica are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
