Serbian opposition slams Vučić over "airplane full of criminals" sent to Montenegro summit

Serbian opposition parties have strongly condemned Montenegro's decision to screen passengers arriving by charter flight from Belgrade for an EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat. The opposition labeled the action a "scandal and disgrace for Serbia," alleging that President Aleksandar Vučić sent an "airplane full of criminals" to provide his security.

Borko Stefanović, deputy leader of the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), described the checks and detentions of 90 individuals as a "scandal and disgrace for Serbia." He argued it demonstrates Serbia's "non-existent" European path and undermines regional stability. Stefanović demanded an explanation from Vučić regarding the flight's cost and the identity of those with criminal records who accompanied him to Montenegro.

Srđan Milivojević, president of the Democratic Party (DS), called for Vučić's resignation, stating that the Montenegrin police's decision to return "persons of security interest" to Serbia was a humiliation. Milivojević accused Vučić of behaving like a "mafia boss" at regional gatherings, leading paramilitary and criminal structures, rather than acting as a head of state.

The incident occurred as Montenegrin police were checking 90 passengers from a charter flight from Belgrade. Local media reported that some individuals were registered as persons of security interest and would be returned to Belgrade. Reports suggested these individuals, many with criminal records, were tasked with informally securing Vučić's presence at the summit, a practice the opposition claims has now been halted by Montenegrin authorities.