(PHOTO) 87 men deported for posing a security risk: Authorities found a banner reading „Serbia Wins“, a long-range communication device, a marine radio station...
These individuals had attended numerous public gatherings classified as high security risk events. Some of them had previously been recorded for criminal offenses and misdemeanors involving elements of violence. Based on security checks, risk assessments, and profiling, the authorities acted toward these individuals in accordance with the law, the Police Directorate and the National Security Agency emphasized
Eighty-seven Serbian citizens who arrived in Tivat today on a charter flight ahead of the European Union - Western Balkans Summit were denied permission to stay in Montenegro and were returned to Serbia.
This was announced by the Police Directorate and the National Security Agency.
They specified that their officers had gathered operational and intelligence information clearly indicating that these individuals’ presence in Montenegro would pose a risk to internal and national security, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Foreigners.
- As part of activities aimed at preserving a stable security environment, security services timely identified persons of security interest and, in accordance with their legal powers and assessed risks, undertook appropriate official measures and actions, preventing these individuals from remaining in Montenegro and serving them with decisions banning their entry - the joint statement from the NSA and the Police Directorate said.
The authorities stressed that additional measures would be initiated against these individuals, including decisions banning their entry and residence in Montenegro in the future.
- Following the completed procedure and the measures undertaken, the Police Directorate issued decisions, pursuant to the Law on Foreigners, prohibiting 87 male individuals from entering Montenegro, after which they were returned to the Republic of Serbia on the same flight. Furthermore, proceedings will be initiated to issue decisions banning their entry and residence in the coming period - the statement said.
The authorities emphasized that these individuals had attended numerous gatherings considered high security risks.
- The measures undertaken are justified by the fact that these individuals attended numerous public gatherings classified as high security risk events, while some of them have records of criminal offenses and misdemeanors involving violence. Based on conducted security checks, risk assessments, and profiling, the authorities acted toward these individuals in accordance with the law - the police stated.
They provided media outlets with photographs of items found in the individuals’ possession, including a banner reading „Serbia Wins“, a long-range communication device, and a marine radio station.
- At the same time, we emphasize that we will strongly, decisively, and uncompromisingly oppose every form of malicious activity, and that we will take measures against all interest groups, individuals, and attempts at destabilization through the precise operational implementation of activities aimed at neutralizing and exposing the actions of criminal groups and persons connected to them who operate within Montenegro, including their links with foreign elements, whose ultimate goal is to undermine the stability of the state and slow down the process of European integration - the police stated.
They added that the Police Directorate, through the engagement of all available police forces, capacities, personnel, technical resources, and strategic systems, together with the intelligence and security sector - the National Security Agency, the Intelligence and Security Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, and the Armed Forces of Montenegro - will undertake all measures and actions prescribed by law to guarantee the safe and secure organization of this important international event.
- In addition, as part of this operation, officers of the Police Directorate seized two buses with Republic of Serbia registration plates that are suspected of having been intended for transporting and relocating individuals from Belgrade. The Police Directorate is conducting detailed checks and taking further measures to establish all relevant facts and circumstances - the police said.
Officials from the Border Police Sector - foreigners’ inspectors - are also carrying out extensive checks of foreign nationals staying in Montenegro and determining the legal basis of their stay in accordance with the applicable legislation.