Bijelo Polje graffiti sparks legal and political condemnation

A graffiti reading “Srbe na vrbe” was spray‑painted in the town of Bijelo Polje, Montenegro. The message was classified as hate speech and an incitement of national and religious intolerance. Bosniak Party deputy and MP Jasmin Ćorović condemned the act, stating, “Najoštrije osuđujem ispisivanje grafita ‘Srbe na vrbe’ … ovo predstavlja govor mržnje i podsticanje nacionalne netrpeljivosti.” He called on the prosecutor’s office to identify and prosecute the perpetrators swiftly.

Human Rights Action (HRA) also demanded a thorough investigation, warning that any graffiti encouraging hatred must be sanctioned. The court had previously qualified similar messages as a criminal offense punishable by six months to five years in prison. Both political and civil‑society actors urged prompt legal action to reinforce Montenegro’s commitment to inter‑ethnic tolerance and European values.