Podgorica Remand Prison detainees launch hunger strike

More than 120 detainees at the Podgorica Remand Prison have been on a hunger strike since September 1, protesting systemic issues within the Montenegrin prison system. The detainees are demanding the implementation of alternative measures to detention, an end to the practice of using pretrial detention as a substitute for punishment, and a re-examination of digital evidence obtained from communication platforms such as Sky and Anom.

Legal experts and families of detainees have raised concerns regarding the frequency and duration of pretrial detention. Critics argue that detention is increasingly becoming the rule rather than the exception, even for individuals who voluntarily surrender to authorities. One specific case highlighted involves an individual who returned to Montenegro from abroad to cooperate with the Special State Prosecutor's Office, only to be detained for several years due to perceived flight risks.

The Administration for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions confirmed that all detainees are under medical supervision and remain in stable health. Officials noted that the number of detainees has reached a historical high of approximately 750, a trend attributed to intensified efforts against organized crime and a high number of foreign nationals in custody.