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Montenegro’s Higher Court in Podgorica on Friday released two individuals detained over alleged involvement in a stabbing in the capital after determining they were not connected to the attack.
In a written statement, the court said the Higher State Prosecutor’s Office had filed attempted murder charges against the suspects, identified as Y.G. and N.D., both Turkish citizens.
Earlier, local media had reported Y.G. as an Azerbaijani citizen and N.D. as Turkish.
The investigating judge ordered their detention based on the victim’s statement and identification record, but the suspects appealed, arguing they were not present at the scene.
Security camera footage later confirmed the suspects were in their accommodation at the time of the stabbing in the Zabjelo district on Oct. 26, the court said.
“Upon review, it was established that the defendants’ statements were accurate—they were in their residence when the event took place, and there is no longer reasonable suspicion of their involvement. Consequently, the investigating judge lifted the detention order,” the court said, adding the decision was not due to a reclassification of the alleged offense but because the investigation no longer supported suspicion of attempted murder.
The stabbing was initially reported by local media as involving Turkish nationals, sparking anti-Turkish sentiment and prompting Prime Minister Milojko Spajic to announce on X that Montenegro would temporarily suspend visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.
The reports led to protests, property damage and heightened tensions in parts of Podgorica.
Following the incidents, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry said it immediately contacted Montenegrin authorities to ensure the safety of Turkish nationals.
“Immediately after the incidents affecting Turkish citizens over the weekend, contact was established with Montenegrin authorities, and the necessary measures were taken to guarantee the security of our citizens,” the ministry said. It added that Türkiye continues to monitor developments “in full coordination with Montenegrin counterparts.”
Diplomatic sources said Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held calls with Spajic and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic, conveying Ankara’s expectations for the protection and safety of Turkish nationals. Montenegrin officials reportedly assured Fidan that necessary steps would be taken to prevent further incidents.
The ruling follows earlier warnings from Türkiye’s Ambassador to Montenegro Baris Kalkavan, who urged Montenegrin authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and cautioned against allowing the case to become a tool for provoking hostility toward Turks.
“I do not underestimate the stabbing incident at all. We expect the incident to be urgently and fully clarified and the perpetrators to be brought before justice as soon as possible,” he said. “It is saddening that an isolated petty offense has turned into a provocation where Turks are targeted.”
He called on Montenegrin youth to remain calm. “Do not fall into the trap of a few provocateurs,” he said. “The Republic of Türkiye will take all necessary legal and political steps regarding all the incidents and consequences experienced during this process, but I am sure that over time your own conscience will also judge this.”
Kalkavan emphasized that long-standing Türkiye-Montenegro ties, rooted in mutual respect and historical friendship, should not be undermined by misinformation or isolated incidents.
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Separately, Fidan met Friday in Istanbul with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ibrahimovic to reiterate Ankara’s expectation that Montenegro take measures to prevent a recurrence of attacks targeting the safety and rights of Turkish citizens, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. Fidan also underlined Türkiye’s commitment to deepening cooperation and friendship between the countries.
Montenegrin media had previously reported allegations of a knife attack involving Turkish nationals, after which Spajic announced the temporary suspension of visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.
The High Court ruling clearing the suspects—confirmed again Friday—and sustained diplomatic engagement are seen as key steps toward easing tensions and restoring confidence among the Turkish community in Montenegro.
Fidan also conveyed Türkiye’s expectations for the protection of Turkish nationals in Montenegro during calls on Oct. 27 with Spajic and President Jakov Milatovic, according to Turkish officials.
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