Montenegro’s government has proposed new gun control measures following a mass shooting on January 1st in Cetinje, a city located 10km west of the capital city of Podgorica.
The shooting, which left 12 people dead, including two children, and injured four others, was reportedly triggered by a bar brawl. The suspected gunman, 45-year-old Aco Martinović, had been consuming alcohol throughout the day. Following the altercation, he reportedly retrieved a firearm from his home and returned to the bar where he opened fire. He then proceeded to other locations, targeting additional individuals, including his own relatives. Martinović died of his wounds after attempting suicide during a manhunt.
Authorities revealed Martinović had previously been convicted for illegal weapons possession in 2022, but did not not provided a detailed motive for the attacks Following the bar’s shooting.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced a proposed Law on Weapons on January 3 after a National Security Council session. The law includes mandatory checks of gun licenses, strict penalties for retaining illegal firearms, and measures to monitor hunting clubs. Citizens will also be encouraged to report illegal weapons through an anonymous tip line with rewards.
Montenegro, with a population of 620,000, has one of Europe’s highest gun ownership rates, with estimates of up to 245,000 firearms, both legal and illegal. Police statistics suggest there are 100,000 registered weapons and up to 80,000 unregistered ones.
The government acknowledged law enforcement challenges, including a shortage of officers following retirements. Critics have questioned the police response, noting that all killings occurred within 20 minutes across five locations. NGOs have called for a review of security policies, highlighting previous incidents of violence in Cetinje and organized crime concerns in the region.