Montenegrin Police Chief Apologises for Wartime Deportations

Montenegrin government representatives, civic activists and victims' families at the ceremony in Herceg Novi. Photo: Government of Montenegro

On May 25 and 27, 1992, the Bosniaks and Serbs were illegally detained and brought to the police headquarters in Herceg Novi, near the border with Bosnia, from where they were deported on buses to Bosnian Serb-controlled territory. They were sent to a detention camp in Foca in eastern Bosnia. Only a few survived, and the remains of most of the dead have never been found.

"I am aware there are no words to make up for the loss of your loved ones. However, I take this opportunity to extend my sincere apologies in the name of the Police Directorate," Brdjanin told the media.

"With this apology, we are making a step forward to assure you that we will defend the security of citizens," he added.

The Centre for Civic Education, Human Rights Action and Anima NGOs held a commemoration in front of the police station in Herceg Novi, calling again on the authorities to allow the building of a permanent memorial to the victims.

The head of the Police Directorate, Interior Minister Filip Adzic, Minister of Justice Marko Kovac, Minister of Social Care Admir Adrovic, Minister without portfolio Adrian Vuksanovic and the head of the Islamic Community in Montenegro, Rifat Fejzic, were all present at the ceremony.

"I support the erection of a memorial at this site. It's our human and moral obligation," Minister Adzic told the media.

Nine former policemen indicted for the deportations were acquitted in November 2012 because the court ruled that while the arrests were illegal, they did not constitute a war crime and the nine men were not a party to any side in the Bosnian war.

The former government...