Montenegro will temporarily suspend its visa-free regime for Turkish citizens following a violent incident in Podgorica that has sparked public unrest, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced on Sunday evening.

“Tomorrow, through an urgent procedure, we will decide on the temporary suspension of visa-free entry for Turkish citizens,” Spajić said in a post on social network X. He emphasized that the government would soon begin intensive discussions with Türkiye to “find the best model in our mutual interest, in the spirit of good cooperation and alliance,” underlining the need to protect both economic activity and bilateral relations.

The decision comes amid heightened tensions in Podgorica’s Zabjelo district, where police launched a major operation late Sunday after a 25-year-old local resident, identified as M.J., was beaten and stabbed. The attack prompted dozens of residents to gather in protest, chanting anti-Turkish slogans.

A heavy police presence was deployed, and several locations in the area were searched. According to local broadcaster Television Vijesti, three Turkish nationals barricaded themselves inside a casino after a confrontation with locals. Police later detained two of them, one of whom is suspected of involvement in the attack, the channel reported, citing unofficial sources. Following the arrests, the gathered crowd gradually dispersed.

Earlier in the day, police confirmed they were searching for three suspects in connection with the assault, which left M.J. seriously injured. The victim reportedly told officers he had been attacked by Turkish citizens while sitting with friends at a bar terrace in Zabjelo after closing hours.

Authorities have notified the prosecutor’s office, and the classification of the offence remains under review as the investigation continues.

The development has raised diplomatic sensitivities between Montenegro and Türkiye, which maintain close economic and political ties.

Kursiv also reports that Montenegro had previously suspended its temporary visa-free regimes for citizens of Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Egypt, citing security and migration concerns. (ILKHA)