Montenegro: Anti-government protest planned in Podgorica May 21 /update 5

Event

A demonstration associated with the "97,000 Resist" movement is slated to take place in the capital Podgorica on Tuesday, May 21. Political and civil society groups are planning to gather on Bulevar Svetog Petra Cetinjskog on Tuesday beginning at 20:00 (local time) to protest government corruption. The demonstration is part of an ongoing series of rallies to denounce corruption, the perceived unresponsiveness of government to citizens' concerns, and to demand that the leaders of the current government resign.

Further associated demonstrations are likely in Podgorica in the coming weeks, particularly 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.