Podgorica, (MINA) – According to data from the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption data, 13 out of 138 high-ranking officials – including members of the Government, MPs and municipal presidents – have reported firearm possession, the Center for Civic Education (CEO) has stated.

This NGO said that those 13 officials collectively declared possession of 20 firearms – including handguns and rifles.

Nikola Mirkovic of this NGO said that some officials acquired weapons through purchase, while others received them as gifts.

In a press statement, Mirkovic specified that firearms were declared by seven members of parliament, five mayors and two ministers.

“CGO has no data on whether any the public officials returned firearms as part of the Ministry of the Interior and the Police Administration’s campaign, which invites citizens to hand over undeclared weapons”, said Mirkovic.

CGO also urged on all public officials to, through a proactive approach and their own example, encourage citizens to hand over firearms and change harmful practices related to firearm ownership.