Dragutin Dakic

Montenegin Army Chief General Dragutin Dakic and Minister of Defense Predrag Boskovic in the military camp Danilovgrad. Photo: Montenegrin Ministry of Defense

On March 11, the Defence Ministry suspended an army officer for joining the protests over the new religion law that the Serbian Church - the largest faith group in the country - says could strip it of its property.

Montenegrin soldiers. Photo: Montenegrin Ministry of Defence

"Mrvaljevic was caught committing a disciplinary offence. The removal will continue until the completion of the disciplinary procedure," the ministry press release said.

Metropolitan Amfilohije, the Serbian Orthodox Church's most senior bishop in Montenegro, said Defence Minister Predrag Boskovic should return the medal the Church gave him, as he no longer deserved it.

Montenegro Army Chief General Dragutin Dakic has told television Vijesti that any soldiers or officers taking part in recent protests against the new law on religion risked being forced out, as there was no place in the military for those who want to defend the Church from the law.

In addition, members of the Montenegrin Army should exert influence on their family members and discourage them from attending protests against the Law on Freedom of Religion.
This, as Novosti finds out, is only part of an order issued by Brigadier General Dragutin Dakic, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro, at a meeting of his staff on February 6th.

The Council has decided to engage the Montenegrin Army in protecting the border from illegal migrants by the end of 2020, in support of police forces.