Milonov criticises Montenegro after Mikhail Zvinchuk’s detention

Russian lawmaker Vitaly Milonov sharply criticised Montenegro’s authorities after the detention of Rybar project leader Mikhail Zvinchuk. Speaking to RT, he used a biblical comparison with Judas.

Milonov said he hoped ties between Montenegro’s people, Russia and the Balkans would endure. His remarks were a political reaction to the authorities’ actions, rather than an announcement of a new procedural decision concerning the detainees.

Zvinchuk, his wife Valeria and three other people were detained on October 9. The Rybar project confirmed that its leader had been detained alongside other Russian citizens. Its team said they were legally in Montenegro and had planned filming, including at Cetinje Monastery.

Lenta.ru reported that the trip concerned a documentary about Montenegro’s move towards European Union visa rules. The security services’ suspicions about the filming’s political purpose remain their assessment. Prime Minister Milojko Spajic confirmed the detention and said the circumstances required examination.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev also reacted to the detention. Russia’s embassy requested an explanation of the reasons for holding Zvinchuk and the other Russians, RBC reported, citing TASS.