Montenegro prosecution manages 24 war crimes cases and addresses hate speech

According to a government report submitted to the European Commission, Montenegro’s Special State Prosecution (SDT) is currently managing 24 war crimes cases. Of these, 22 are in the inquiry phase, one is under investigation, and one has a confirmed indictment. During the first half of 2026, Montenegrin authorities responded to six international requests regarding these cases, including inquiries from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo.

In a separate development regarding hate speech, the High State Prosecutor reported that 35 cases involving hate speech or crimes committed out of hatred were formed between January and June 2026. This follows a significant increase in such cases recorded in 2025. In response, Minister of Justice Bojan Božović has announced proposed amendments to the Criminal Code to introduce 'severe hate speech' as a specific criminal offense, carrying potential prison sentences of three months to three years.

Meanwhile, human rights advocates have raised concerns regarding recent legislative changes to the SDT Law. Critics argue that the amendments concentrate power within the prosecution without sufficient mechanisms for accountability or checks and balances, potentially increasing the risk of political pressure and selective prosecution.