A roundtable, organised under the action “Enhancing human rights protection for detained and sentenced persons”, held in Budva on 22 – 23 November, gathered key investigating bodies in Montenegro to identify systemic shortcomings and collaboratively explore optimal solutions for the prevention of ill-treatment and to combat impunity.  

The event was inaugurated by the acting heads of the State Prosecutor's Office and Police Administration, Ombudsman and Deputy Minister of Interior highlighting a resolute commitment to zero tolerance towards any form of ill-treatment and impunity, resonating the principles emphasised in the country reports of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT).

Over the course of two days, a constructive discussion among representatives of the police, prosecutors, criminal lawyers, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) and the Montenegrin representative before the court in Strasbourg addressed communication deficiencies and discrepancies in the interpretation of legal norms.

The anticipated outcome of this roundtable will improve Montenegro's investigation system by implementing additional safeguards, providing citizens with enhanced means of protection. These proactive measures align with the Montenegrin aspirations for European Union membership, showing a commitment to aligning its practices with international norms and expectations.

The roundtable was organised within the action “Enhancing human rights protection for detained and sentenced person”, which is part of the joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye”, implemented by the Council of Europe.