Nikola Terzic

Montenegrin Special Police Unit training in camp in the capital, Podgorica. Photo: Government of Montenegro

In its report, the Committee called on Interior Minister Filip Adzic, head of the Police Directorate Nikola Terzic and regional police directors to actively promote a culture change within law enforcement agencies.

Montenegrin Special State Prosecutor Vladimir Novovic (L) and head of Police Directorate Nikola Terzic (R) in Podgorica. Photo: Parliament of Montenegro

On October 22, 2021, Montenegro gave political asylum to the billionaire, who is on a Russian-issued international arrest warrant for allegedly ordering contract murders.

Montenegrin Special State Prosecutor Vladimir Novovic (L), Police Director Zoran Brdjanin (M) and Special Police Department Predrag Sukovic (R) in Podgorica. Photo: Government of Montenegro

The government appointed two new interim police directors, Nikola Terzic and Predrag Sukovic, who will be in charge of contact with the European police agency Europol.

Opposition parties and some prominent NGOs have called on Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic to dismiss the director of police, Slavko Stojanovic, after the police accused the Special Prosecutor's Office of illegally ordering the arrest of senior police officers.

The Montenegrin police accused the Special Prosecutor's Office of the illegal arrests of several senior police officers on Sunday on suspicion of involvement in organized crime and demanded protection from Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic.

In a statement late on Sunday, the Police Directorate complained of a "constant atmosphere of distrust" created by the prosecution.