Urgent Update: Montenegro’s Jailed Tycoon Claims Political Conspiracy

UPDATE: A dramatic twist in Montenegro’s political landscape is unfolding as jailed businessman Duško Knežević claims he is being manipulated as a “pawn” by authorities aiming to discredit former President Milo Đukanović. Knežević, 65, has been incarcerated since being extradited from the UK in April 2023 and awaits trial for serious charges including fraud and money laundering.

Knežević’s lawyer, British barrister Toby Cadman, asserts that the Montenegrin government is pressuring Knežević to provide incriminating evidence against his former associate Đukanović. The situation escalates as Knežević, a once-prominent figure in Montenegro, claims the allegations against him are politically motivated and designed to silence him.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: The case exemplifies the ongoing political infighting in Montenegro as the country navigates a path toward potential European Union membership. Current President Jakov Milatović has ambitions for EU accession by 2027, but ongoing issues within the judicial system pose significant hurdles. Cadman warns that without addressing these foundational problems, Montenegro risks failing to meet EU standards.

DETAILS: Knežević, founder of the Atlas Group, once enjoyed close ties with Đukanović, supporting him during the critical transition of Montenegro from a socialist regime. However, their relationship deteriorated following a series of disputes over business dealings that culminated in Knežević’s criminal charges.

Cadman revealed that Knežević possesses evidence linking Đukanović to corruption, specifically referencing “two or three specific incidents,” yet is adamant that he will only cooperate if released. Amid concerns for Knežević’s safety, Cadman noted his client’s health has suffered during his time in custody, including a recent head injury that became infected.

CONTEXT: The tensions between Knežević and Đukanović reflect a broader pattern of corruption that has plagued Montenegro for decades. Political scientist Jelena Džankić emphasized that Knežević’s revelations about the “envelope scandal” — where he alleged he handed almost €100,000 to a government official — merely scratched the surface of systemic corruption.

As the Montenegro government faces criticisms for its judicial practices, the EU has expressed skepticism regarding the country’s readiness for accession. The latest reports indicate that significant reforms are necessary, particularly in governance and the fight against high-level corruption.

NEXT STEPS: The Montenegrin authorities have yet to respond to these serious allegations. Meanwhile, Knežević’s fate remains uncertain as he awaits trial, and observers will be closely monitoring how this case impacts Montenegro’s political stability and its aspirations for EU membership.

With the political climate in Montenegro heating up, the future of both Knežević and the nation hangs in the balance. As this story develops, it will undoubtedly capture the attention of not just local citizens but also international observers keen on the implications for governance and reform in the region.