On September 10th, a disturbing incident occurred in Ulcinj (Ulqin), a historic coastal town in Montenegro inhabited primarily by ethnic Albanians. A local citizen was processed and fined by the police simply because he had raised the Albanian national flag on his private property. This act has raised deep concerns about the systematic discrimination faced by the Albanian community in Montenegro, and it highlights the growing influence of Serbian and Russian policies on the country’s internal affairs, local media say.
The Incident in Ulcinj
According to reports, the man was taken to the police station in Ulcinj where he was interrogated under the accusation of “displaying the flag of another state on family property.” The citizen refused to provide a statement, only clarifying that the property is co-owned with his brother.
Such an accusation is in clear violation of Montenegro’s own law: the Law on the Selection, Use, and Public Display of National Symbols. This legislation explicitly guarantees the right of citizens to use and display their national symbols both in public and in private spaces. Raising the Albanian flag on one’s own home is fully consistent with these rights and with international standards on minority protections.
Albanians in Ulcinj: A Historic Community
Ulcinj is not just another town in Montenegro; it is a city with a majority Albanian population, deeply rooted in history, culture, and tradition. For centuries, Albanians in Ulcinj have preserved their language, traditions, and symbols. The right to display the flag of origin is more than symbolic—it represents identity, heritage, and belonging.
Under international law, especially the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (Council of Europe) and various UN declarations, minorities are guaranteed the right to freely express their cultural identity. This includes the use of national symbols, such as flags, on private property. Preventing Albanians from exercising this right is not only discriminatory but also a breach of Montenegro’s obligations as a member of the international community.
Political Reaction: Silence and Limited Support
The only strong political reaction so far has come from the Democratic Union of Albanians (UDSH). This political party condemned the police action, calling it discriminatory and a flagrant violation of the law. UDSH demanded immediate intervention by the Minister for Human and Minority Rights, Mr. Fatmir Gjeka, and accountability from the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Danilo Šaranović, against police officers who abused their authority.
However, apart from this statement, the silence from broader Montenegrin institutions and political actors reveals a troubling lack of commitment to minority rights.
Serbia and Russia’s Influence
Observers argue that Montenegro’s increasingly hostile policies toward Albanians are influenced by Serbia and Russia, both of which maintain strong political, cultural, and security ties with segments of the Montenegrin establishment.
-
Serbia continues to promote a nationalist agenda in the region, often marginalizing Albanian communities outside Kosovo.
-
Russia uses its influence in the Balkans to undermine Euro-Atlantic integration, exploiting ethnic divisions to destabilize democratic processes.
By targeting Albanians for raising their flag, Montenegro not only discriminates against its own citizens but also aligns itself with these external influences, jeopardizing its European integration path.
Why This Matters
-
Human Rights Violation – Citizens must be free to express their cultural and national identity without fear of punishment.
-
International Commitments – Montenegro, as a candidate for EU membership, is obliged to respect European standards on minority rights.
-
Dangerous Precedent – Punishing someone for raising a flag at home sets a precedent for wider repression against Albanians in Montenegro.
Conclusion: A Call for Equality and Respect
The Ulcinj case is more than just about a flag—it is about justice, equality, and human dignity. Albanians in Montenegro are not outsiders; they are an indigenous community with deep historical roots. According to both local law and international standards, they have the full right to raise their flag, sing their songs, and live their culture freely.
The Montenegrin government must put an end to discriminatory practices influenced by Serbia and Russia and demonstrate true respect for democratic values. Otherwise, it risks alienating a significant part of its population and undermining its credibility on the international stage.
Raising a flag on one’s home is not a crime. It is a right.