The Hague, 20 September 2024 – Serge Brammertz, Chief Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), visited the Republic of Montenegro from 16 to 19 September 2024, in preparation for his regular biannual report to the UN Security Council (UNSC).
During his visit, Prosecutor Brammertz held high-level meetings with the President of Montenegro, H.E. Jakov Milatović; Prime Minister, H.E. Milojko Spajić; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, Ervin Ibrahimović; Minister of European Integration, Maida Gorčević; Minister of Justice, Bojan Božović; Supreme State Prosecutor, Milorad Marković; and Special State Prosecutor, Vladimir Novović. He also met with the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Johan Sattler, and other diplomatic representatives.
Prosecutor Brammertz commended Montenegro’s renewed focus on justice for war crimes, highlighting the government’s comprehensive approach, which reflects widespread political support. He also expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) and the Special State Prosecutor’s Office (SSPO). Recognizing the high expectations for progress in investigations and prosecutions, Brammertz emphasized the need for increased resources for the SSPO, as outlined in Montenegro’s National War Crimes Strategy.
The OTP has supported the SSPO by reviewing its extensive evidence collection—comprising over ten million pages—and identifying Montenegrin nationals suspected of war crimes, including grave acts of sexual violence. This evidence has been analyzed and handed over to the SSPO, resulting in the establishment of a joint task force to advance investigations. One indictment has already been filed, and additional indictments are expected. Both offices agreed to continue their close cooperation on war crimes cases, with the OTP offering expert training and assistance.
Montenegrin officials praised the strong partnership with the OTP and reaffirmed their commitment to achieving justice for war crimes committed during the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia. They welcomed the OTP’s assistance in strengthening Montenegro’s judicial processes and expressed a desire to further enhance cooperation as the country works toward EU accession.
Prosecutor Brammertz was updated on Montenegro’s progress, including the positive Interim Benchmark Assessment Report and the adoption of the National War Crimes Strategy. While significant progress has been made, the need for further action—especially in strengthening the rule of law—was emphasized. The strategy outlines essential steps, including bolstering the resources and capacity of the Special Prosecutor’s Office and Special Court. The OTP’s ongoing support will be crucial to ensuring successful implementation.
One key development during the visit was the amendment of Montenegro’s Criminal Procedure Code to allow the admission of evidence from the OTP. Additional judicial reforms were discussed, with plans for the OTP to submit further proposals.
The discussions also addressed regional cooperation and reconciliation, with Prosecutor Brammertz commending Montenegro’s positive collaboration with other countries in the region, particularly Bosnia and Herzegovina. He noted opportunities for enhanced cooperation with Croatia, which the OTP stands ready to support. Montenegrin officials reiterated their commitment to fostering good neighborly relations and promoting justice as a foundation for reconciliation, while countering denial and glorification of past crimes.
Earlier this month, Prosecutor Brammertz visited Croatia and Serbia, and he is scheduled to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina next week for further discussions on regional war crimes justice.
Prosecutor Brammertz will present his next report to the UN Security Council later this year.
