Momir Bulatović

During the trial of former police officers, Bulatović acknowledged that the deportation of Bosnian refugees in 1992 had been a serious 'state mistake' and stated that the entire leadership at the time bore enormous responsibility. Approximately 150 refugees had been handed over to Bosnian Serb authorities, and 83 reportedly never returned.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Political responsibility

On the eve of Đukanović's inauguration, several thousand Bulatović supporters attacked government buildings and confronted police. The US State Department stated that Bulatović had encouraged the crowd to provoke confrontation and that his remarks had directly contributed to the violence, which injured nearly fifty people.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

After losing the presidential election, Bulatović was appointed Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia with Slobodan Milošević's support. Representatives of the Montenegrin government boycotted the vote and refused to recognise his authority, arguing that the procedure deprived Montenegro of its constitutional right to choose its federal representatives.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Bulatović narrowly lost the second round of the presidential election to Milo Đukanović. He accused his rival of fraud, refused to recognise the result and called on his supporters to demonstrate.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Bulatović supported keeping Montenegro in a new federation with Serbia and threatened to resign if the 'yes' vote failed. The opposition boycotted the referendum, calling it a farce and denouncing the short campaign and the authorities' control.

State of the evidence

Documented

Legal status — source text

Not applicable

Attribution

Political responsibility

As President of Montenegro, Bulatović called for mobilisation during the JNA offensive against Croatia and the attack on Dubrovnik. He later explained that he had acted after the military command told him of a major threat against Montenegro.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility