Montenegro: Activists to protest in Cetinje from 12:00 Aug. 22

Event

Activists will protest in Cetinje Aug. 22 against a Serbian Orthodox Church ceremony planned in the city on Sept. 5. The protest is being staged by members of the Montenegrin Orthodox Church, who demand that the ceremony not take place in Cetinje. Participants will gather at the Lovcenska Vila Monument from 12:00.

Additional police will deploy to monitor the action and attempt to keep any rival activists apart. Large crowds and associated security measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, will cause localized transport disruptions. Tensions are high between the Montenegrin and Serbian orthodox churches in Montenegro, leading international diplomatic representatives in the country to issue calls for calm. Some individuals have threatened violence on social media. Isolated clashes are likely between police and protesters or between members of rival religious communities should they come into contact.

Advice

Avoid the protest as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check for transport disruptions and allow extra time for travel in the affected area Aug. 22.