Podgorica, (MINA) – National symbols of Montenegro, as constitutional category, must be protected at all times, the President’s PR Service stated, adding that it was up to the competent authorities to investigate if there were elements of criminal offence in the gesture made by Niksic Mayor Marko Kovacevic.

Kovacevic could be seen holding out his middle finger during the national anthem in a video published and then removed from the President of Montenegro’s website.

President’s PR Service stated that following the media reporting that in the video recording and the photos from the event of Monday evening in Niksic, which was attended by the President of Montenegro, Kovacevic could be seen making a gesture that could indicate disrespect for national symbols, they decided to remove these photographs and videos.

They add that the national symbols were the constitutional category that must be protected at all times, and that it was up to the competent authorities to investigate if there were elements of criminal offence in these gestures.

Niksic Mayor Marko Kovacevic said that there was no hidden intention in the position of his hand during the ceremony in Niksic, adding that the persecution against him, in regard to his political, national and religious affiliation, was ongoing.

“During the national anthem, I stood up and tried to adjust my wrist watch, and there was no hidden intention in that gesture”, said Kovacevic.