Montenegro: Anti-government march planned in Podgorica March 23 /update 2

Event

Members of opposition groups and civil society organizations are planning to stage the latest in a series of weekly protest marches in the vicinity of Independence Square on Saturday, March 23, beginning at 18:00 (local time). The demonstrations are to denounce the perceived unresponsiveness of government to citizens' concerns and to demand that the leaders of the current government resign. A pro-government rally is also reportedly planned in the same area on Sunday, March 24.

Demonstrations are expected to continue in Podgorica over the coming weeks, especially on Saturdays. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near any protests.

Context

These regular protests, organized by the "97,000 Resist" movement, have been ongoing since early February in response to allegations of government corruption and have drawn thousands of people. 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 monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.