Milo Đukanović refuses to answer questions in Telekom privatization hearing

Former Montenegrin President Milo Đukanović declined to answer questions during a hearing at the High Court in Podgorica regarding the 2005 privatization of Telekom Montenegro. Acting on the advice of his lawyer, Svetlana Vujanović, Đukanović did not address inquiries concerning potential contractual relationships between his family members and Telekom, nor did he respond to questions regarding US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proceedings or documentation related to corruption suspicions.

Defense attorney Vujanović criticized the proceedings, arguing that the Montenegrin government is improperly acting as both the injured party and the prosecutor. She stated that criminal prosecution for official crimes should be handled exclusively by the State Prosecutor, not the government. The hearing was requested by the Office of the Protector of Property-Legal Interests after the Special State Prosecutor rejected a criminal complaint from the MANS NGO due to the statute of limitations.

Political figures, including Milan Knežević of the Democratic People's Party, commented on the hearing, suggesting that Đukanović maintains significant political influence and that the situation highlights necessary judicial reforms in Montenegro.