The situation in Montenegrin society and politics is escalating dangerously after the recent incidents in Podgorica. Protests in front of the government building, with slogans against Turkish and Azerbaijani citizens, have drawn strong condemnation from the Ombudsman, human rights organizations and international observers, who warn of a worrying shift towards hate speech and collective targeting of ethnic groups.

Podgorica Police announced that 11 people were arrested, nine of them minors, as they headed towards the government building carrying firecrackers, masks and small amounts of drugs. The incidents appear to be linked to the injury of a young man from the suburb of Zambielo, who, according to authorities, had been involved in an altercation with Turkish and Azerbaijani nationals who had taken refuge in a local casino.

The case led to the arrest of 45 Turkish citizens, sparking strong reactions on social media and prompting groups of protesters to chant slogans such as “Turci napolje” (“Turks out”). Police have stepped up security measures in the capital, placing protective barriers around government buildings and the Turkish embassy.

The Ombudsman described the events as “a massive manifestation of racism” and noted that such images may internationally discredit the country, presenting it as hostile to foreigners. The Authority for the Protection of Human Rights stressed that associating an entire ethnic group with criminal acts constitutes “pure racism” and that calls to “expel Turks” violate fundamental principles of the rule of law.

The Authority's announcement emphasizes that society cannot confront violence with violence and that protests must be expressed peacefully, within the limits of legality.

The Ministry of Interior and the Prosecutor's Office in Podgorica have launched a preliminary investigation for "incitement of national, racial or religious hatred", while the government of Prime Minister Milojko Spajić has decided to temporarily suspend the visa-free regime for Turkish citizens. The decision, according to Radio Slobodna Evropa, aims to strengthen the mechanisms for controlling the entry and residence of Turkish citizens and will be reviewed after consultations with Ankara.

The turkish Foreign Ministry reacted strongly, assuring that all measures are being taken for the safety Of turkish nationals and that it is in close communication with the Montenegrin authorities to avoid further tensions.

Civil society organizations, such as Civic Alliance and HRA (Human Rights Action), called on the government to take coordinated action against racism and ensure that these incidents do not return the country to times of ethnic discrimination. In their joint statement, they stressed that the incident should be an occasion to strengthen social cohesion and trust in institutions, not for collective targeting.

According to official figures, around 13,400 Turkish citizens live in Montenegro out of a total of almost 100,000 foreigners, mainly working in tourism, construction and the service sector. Diplomatic analysts point out that the events in Podgorica pose a serious test for Montenegro-Ankara relations, especially amid pressure from the European Commission to align visa policy with European standards.

The Ombudsman closes with a message of responsibility and self-restraint: "If we want a future and prestige for our country, the hysteria must end. Citizens can express their demands peacefully and effectively, as befits a democratic society."