Podgorica criminal police chief removed following video of alleged assault

Lazar Šćepanović, Director of the Police Directorate, has removed Zoran Bašanović from his position as the head of criminal police in Podgorica. The decision follows the publication of a video on Instagram appearing to show Bašanović physically mistreating a woman.

Bašanović has been reassigned to other duties within the ‘Centar’ Regional Security Center pending the results of an investigation. The Podgorica Basic State Prosecutor’s Office has been notified and is working to establish the facts and circumstances of the incident. Internal control mechanisms within the police force are also conducting a review.

Predrag Jokić, a long-time inspector for combating property crime, has been appointed to replace Bašanović. The Police Directorate stated it remains committed to maintaining the integrity, transparency, and legality of the profession and will not allow individuals to damage the reputation of the police.