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DPM Pažin: Lawful police conduct is foundation of rule of law

Published on: Oct 18, 2019 5:00 PM Author: PR Service
Montenegrin institutions must use the judgments of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to continue to advance national human rights mechanisms and vigorously affirm zero tolerance for all cases of misuse of official powers in law enforcement, Deputy Prime Minister Zoran Pažin said today in Budva at the opening of an international conference on the prevention of abuse in the police service, organised by the Council of Europe, with the support of the European Union.

The Deputy Prime Minister stated that this was particularly important for the police service. He said that law enforcement officers are on the front line of protecting the fundamental rights of citizens in every state. Their lawful conduct is, therefore, the foundation of the rule of law. That is why the police service must most decisively remove from its ranks any negligent officer who, through abuse of authority, causes enormous damage to citizens' trust in the lawful and fair treatment of the police service.

He emphasised that in detecting and prosecuting cases of misuse of police powers, there should be no room for false solidarity among officers, because the abuse of official powers immeasurably harms the vast majority of conscientious and responsible law enforcement officers, the police service and the entire society.

DPM Pažin said that Montenegro attaches great importance to compliance with the European Convention, which is reflected in the 100% enforcement of all ECJ judgments. In this context, he also expressed his particular satisfaction with the Council of Europe leader's assessment that Montenegro today serves as an example among the members of this oldest pan-European organisation when it comes to enforcing the judgments of the European Court of Justice. Therefore, all judgments rendered in relation to Montenegro have either been executed or are in the process of execution, DPM Pažin noted.

He pointed to a number of significant activities carried out by Montenegrin state institutions aimed at preventing abuse of official powers in the police service and the prison system. The Deputy Prime Minister said that the Montenegrin institutions should not spare the effort to ensure the most effective protection of human rights and the responsible and professional work of law enforcement officers, expressing gratitude to the international partners, first of all to the Council of Europe and the European Union, and civil society organisations, which, through their analyzes and recommendations, provide great support to Montenegrin state institutions in this regard.

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