Author: Unknown
Published on: 23/01/2025 | 00:00:00
AI Summary:
Duko Kneevi, 65, has been in prison since he was extradited from the UK in April. He denies all the charges, saying they are politically motivated. The authorities in the capital Podgorica believe he has questions to answer in court. Montenegro should not be allowed to join the EU, Cadman says. “This is not a country ready for that unless they seriously address the endemic problems within their judicial and prison systems,” Cadman said. Ukanovi introduced new laws allowing massive-scale privatisation of state-owned businesses and infrastructure. Kneevi amassed significant wealth and influence as owner of Atlasmont Bank. He also owned Mediteran University, an institution he founded in Podgorica. The first cracks appeared in 2014, when ukanovi’s government refused to accept proposed changes to the privatisation agreement it had. By the end of 2018, the investigation led Atlasmont into administration and his other bank, Invest Bank Montenegro, to bankruptcy. The DPS denies claims of wrongdoing in the financing of its campaigns. The ‘envelope scandal’ brought high-level corruption in Montenegro to the front pages of local newspapers. But protests it sparked were not critical to the DPS’ 2020 defeat. Morrison said there is “significant scepticism in the claim that Kneevi became somehow enlightened and decided, for moral reasons, to expose corrupt practices” Cadman said it was impossible to do business in Montenegro without ties to the then-leader. The country was “a closed shop” under his rule, Cadman suggested. Montenegro was praised for being a “leader” in the region. Morrison said it must improve in areas such as governance, judiciary and fight against corruption and organised crime.
Original: 1571 words
Summary: 281 words
Percent reduction: 82.11%