Explosion at court in Montenegro kills one

PODGORICA, Montenegro: A man who detonated an explosive device at a courthouse in Montenegro’s capital Podgorica was killed and five others injured in the blast on Friday, police said.

The incident took place in Montenegro’s Basic Court – a lower judicial body that handles municipal cases in the capital.

“He activated the high-explosive device upon entering the courthouse and died instantly,” said Srdjan Korac, a senior city police officer.

“There are also five injured who were admitted to the hospital center. It shouldn’t be serious injuries,” he added.

Police cordoned off the area shortly after the blast and there was no visible damage to the outside of the building, according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

Investigations into possible motives behind the explosion continued, according to police.

After the blast, court officials called for more security at the country’s courthouses and said the issue had long been raised with authorities.

“We have been pointing this out for years,” said Zeljka Jovicevic, President of the Basic Court in Podgorica.

Supporting the call, Zdravko Begovic, president of the Bar Association of Montenegro, said security needs to be strengthened.

“This should be seriously considered,” he added.

Violent incidents are relatively rare in the tiny Adriatic country famous for its scenic beaches framed by nearby mountains that have long been a draw for tourists.

Last August, the country was rocked by the killing of 10 people after a gunman ran amok in downtown Cetinje.

With an unemployment rate of around 18% and an average monthly salary of less than 750 euros, Montenegro relies on tourism to increase its income.

Organized crime and corruption remain two major problems plaguing the country and which, under pressure from the European Union, the authorities have pledged to tackle.

However, mass shootings and bombings were rare.