Statement on August 23 – European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes

On August 23 – European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes, we respectfully remember all innocent victims of these regimes, especially victims of extrajudicial executions, political persecution, imprisonment without fair trial, and other forms of repression. As citizens and responsible people in Montenegro, as a future EU member, and a country that meets high standards of the rule of law recognized internationally, we must not turn a blind eye to unidentified mass graves from World War II and the post-war period, which still exist in Montenegro, such as Kotor-jama in Nikšić, mass graves in Cetinje and Bar, and other locations, unlike many countries that have faced these issues in a civilized manner and in accordance with European principles and practices. In this regard, the state has a duty to take concrete measures, in line with European practice, without any ideological component, and aimed solely at a democratic and European approach based on human rights. Montenegro must show that no victim of political violence is forgotten and that no ideology can be above the law and justice. The European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes, established by the European Parliament, strongly emphasizes that human rights and human dignity are above any ideology and political goal. We owe memory and dignity to innocent victims, truth to their families, and justice and a free society to future generations.