(Podgorica, 5 October 2012) – MANS condemns the threats issued against Ivo Ilic, the President of the NGO “Jaz Mrcevo Polje,” who is carrying out activities related to the return of lands confiscated in Mrcevo Polje. A few days ago, Ilic received threats that a bomb would be set on the NGOs premises if it continues the struggle for securing constitutional rights.
MANS has for a while been investigating the return of lands in Mrcevo Polje, where some 600 individuals are demanding that the state return to them lands that they once owned and that is attractive to powerful investors. The Government of Montenegro has planned to lease this area for a 90 year period through a non-transparent process.
We call on all relevant institutions to immediately bring light to this case and establish who is responsible for these threats. We also call on the authorities to offer all available protection to individuals and groups fighting for their rights.
