Gojko Perovic

The rector of the Seminary St. Peter of Cetine, Gojko Perovic stated that it has been going on for years.

According to unofficial data from the police, about 700 supporters of the Serbian Orthodox Church gathered in Niksic, 1.500 in Berane, 280 in Budva, 1.500 in Pljevlja and 60 in Bijelo Polje, Podgorica portal CDM reports.

Protests against the detention of the Serbian Orthodox clergy in Pljevlja, Montenegro. Photo: Facebook video screenshot

Police battled protesters in Pljevlja and Niksic with tear gas, leaving dozens of police officers and protesters injured. Protests also took place in Budva, Berane and the capital, Podgorica.

The rector of the Cetinje school of theology, Gojko Perovic, called for calm on Monday after a series of incidents between police officers and opponents of the new law on religious freedom, who believe the legislation is intended to undermine the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the country.