# Montenegro judicial and legal proceedings > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-judicial-and-legal-proceedings > Updated: 2026-10-26T10:39:22.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 5. Legal and judicial proceedings in Montenegro face ongoing scrutiny regarding systemic practices, judicial independence, and administrative integrity. Legal experts at the 40th Ius Forum warned that pretrial detention has become a ‘de facto prison sentence’, with Branislav Radulović, President of the Association of Lawyers of Montenegro, noting that detention durations often exceed constitutional mandates. Former European Court of Human Rights judge Nebojša Vučinić and attorney Bojana Franović Kovačević highlighted that non-legal interpretations and political social media pressure may influence judicial decisions. Administrative concerns were raised by the State Audit Institution (DRI), which issued a negative opinion regarding the regularity of procedures within the judicial system. The audit revealed ‘widespread and materially significant irregularities’ concerning the recording, storage, and control of seized items and collateral across 20 courts. Auditors also noted improper use of service contracts and failures in tax procedures, specifically noting that full access to the High Court's depot in Podgorica was denied. High-profile criminal cases continue to progress, including asset seizure orders for Željko Ljepavić on suspicion of money laundering and requests by the Special State Prosecutor's Office (SDT) for the permanent seizure of assets from convicted criminal Stefan Janković. The ‘Telekom’ privatization scandal remains active, with hearings expected to involve former President Milo Đukanović. While the OSCE Mission to Montenegro has recognized progress in strengthening legal structures to combat organized crime, officials emphasize that the critical next step is moving from legislative reform to consistent practical application in daily operations. ## Claims - The OSCE regional project monitored over 380 organized crime and corruption cases and more than 3,000 hearings in the Western Balkans. (disputed by 2 sources) - The OSCE monitoring team in Montenegro tracked 1,018 hearings in 61 cases over the previous two years. (disputed) - The Higher Court in Podgorica scheduled hearings in the Telekom privatization case involving former President Milo Đukanović and his sister Ana. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Montenegro has strengthened its legal framework for handling organized crime and corruption over the last two years. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Jan Haukas stated that adopting laws and reforms is insufficient without consistent practical application by judicial institutions. (corroborated by 2 sources) - A criminal complaint was filed against MP Milan Knežević in Podgorica. (single source) - The complaint against Knežević alleges the incitement of national, racial, and religious hatred. (single source) - The Telekom investigation includes questions about the privatization of Telekom and the acceptance of a Hungarian company's offer. (single source) - The Special State Prosecutor's Office dismissed a complaint against Nikola Jovanović and Davor Rakanović regarding a 500,000 euro claim. (single source) - The Higher Court in Podgorica ordered the temporary seizure of several vehicles and blocked real estate in Sutvara in a case against Željko Ljepavić. (single source) - Željko Ljepavić is suspected by the Special State Prosecutor's Office of money laundering. (single source) - The SDT has requested the permanent seizure of assets belonging to Stefan Janković, a convicted member of a criminal organization. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Montenegro faces judicial test in combating organized crime OSCE officials and Montenegrin judicial leaders emphasize that consistent practical application of laws is essential to combat organized crime and corruption following recent legal reforms. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-faces-judicial-test-in-combating-organized-crime ### 2026-10-21: Montenegro strengthens judicial framework against organized crime An OSCE report indicates Montenegro has strengthened its judicial framework to combat organized crime and corruption, noting progress in specialized prosecution and financial investigation protocols. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-strengthens-judicial-framework-against-organized-crime ### 2026-10-18: State Audit Institution finds widespread irregularities in Montenegro courts Montenegro's State Audit Institution reported widespread irregularities in 20 courts, citing issues with seized item storage, improper service contracts, and restricted access to the High Court's depot. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/state-audit-institution-finds-widespread-irregularities-in-montenegro-courts ### 2026-10-13: Montenegro legal updates: Asset seizures and high-profile corruption trials Montenegro faces multiple high-profile legal proceedings, including asset seizures in money laundering cases, hearings in the Telekom privatization scandal, and retrials for former judicial officials. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/medenica-and-vlahovi-milosavljevi-retrial-begins-in-montenegro ### 2026-10-07: Montenegro legal experts warn pretrial detention acts as de facto punishment Legal experts in Montenegro warn that pretrial detention is being systematically misused as a de facto prison sentence, potentially undermining judicial independence and human rights standards. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-legal-experts-warn-pretrial-detention-acts-as-de-facto-punishment --- Cite as: Montenegro judicial and legal proceedings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-judicial-and-legal-proceedings