October 29
Azerbaijani diplomatic missions are in contact with Montenegrin law enforcement following the detention of an Azerbaijani national amid recent street unrest in Podgorica, officials told Report.
The Azerbaijani Embassy in Serbia and the diplomatic office in Montenegro said they are closely monitoring the situation surrounding the incident, which also involved the arrest of several Turkish citizens.
“Our embassy and diplomatic representation are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of Azerbaijani citizens living and working in Montenegro and to protect their rights and legal interests,” the statement read.
The mission urged Azerbaijani citizens residing or temporarily staying in Montenegro to avoid mass gatherings, strictly observe local laws, and immediately contact the embassy if assistance is needed.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s Ombudsperson Sabina Aliyeva has sent an official letter to her Montenegrin counterpart Siniša Bjeković, urging him to take the case under personal supervision and ensure that the rights of detained Azerbaijani citizens are protected in accordance with Montenegro’s laws and international human rights standards.
Aliyeva emphasized the importance of respecting the presumption of innocence, access to legal counsel, and translation services, while calling for the prevention of any discrimination, hostility, or intolerance based on ethnic, national, or religious grounds.
The incident followed weekend clashes in Podgorica, where a local man was stabbed during a confrontation with a group of Turkish nationals.
Though his injuries were not life-threatening, the event sparked retaliatory attacks and acts of vandalism targeting Turkish-owned property. Dozens of Turkish and Azerbaijani citizens were later detained by Montenegrin authorities.
