Montenegrin Govt Warns of Increase in Religious Extremism

An inscription reading 'Islamic State, State of Raqqa, Islamic Services Commission, Unified Taxation Office' painted on a wall of a destroyed building in Raqqa, Syria. Photo: EPA-EFE/AHMED MARDNLI

"There is still an international component in the activities of these groups and their focus is on attempts to spread radical ideologies primarily to the younger population. There is also a continuation of the radicalisation process among the Roma population," said the government report.

"An important role in this process is played by Islamic Roma organisations from Europe, which provide them with continuous financial support in the implementation of a large number of projects," it added.

The authorities say the terrorism threat in Montenegro is still low, although some 31 Montenegrin citizens have gone to fight in foreign wars since 2012.

Twenty-six of them fought alongside the so-called Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and five with Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Six of them died in Syria and one was detained in Turkey.

According to the report, members of Islamic extremist groups from the Balkans and EU countries are organising summer camps in Montenegro, but so far they do not represent recruitment centres or places for planning terrorist acts.

"At those camps, there are supporters of terrorist organisations and returnees from the foreign wars, but also people who have been prosecuted or have served prison sentences for terrorist acts or participation in foreign armed formations," the report said.

Montenegro criminalised participation in foreign conflicts in March 2015. Those who are convicted face prison sentences of up to ten years, while anyone found guilty of recruiting, organising, financing, encouraging,...