On October 29, Sabina Aliyeva, the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of Azerbaijan, sent a letter to her Montenegrin counterpart, Siniša Bjeković, concerning the detention of several Azerbaijani citizens in Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro. Aliyeva requested that the Montenegrin Ombudsman take the matter under supervision to ensure the protection of the detainees’ rights in accordance with Montenegro’s national legislation and international human rights obligations.

She underscored the importance of safeguarding the presumption of innocence, guaranteeing access to legal assistance, and providing interpretation services for the detained individuals. Aliyeva also stressed the need to prevent any form of discrimination, hate speech, or hostility based on ethnic, national, or religious identity, in line with principles outlined in international human rights conventions.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has been holding discussions with Montenegrin law enforcement authorities regarding the detention of an Azerbaijani citizen, with the issue being addressed through diplomatic channels. According to Azerbaijan’s diplomatic mission in Montenegro, both the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Serbia and its representative office in Montenegro have been closely following the developments related to the disturbances in Podgorica involving Turkish and Azerbaijani nationals. "The Embassy and our diplomatic office are taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of our citizens living and working in Montenegro, as well as to protect their rights and legal interests," the mission stated. It also advised Azerbaijani citizens residing or traveling in Montenegro to avoid mass gatherings, adhere strictly to local laws, and promptly contact the embassy or diplomatic office if assistance is required.

Notably, in late October 2025, in the Zabjelo neighbourhood of the Montenegrin capital Podgorica, a 25‑year‑old Montenegrin man was stabbed after an altercation with a group of Turkish nationals. A Turkish citizen and an Azerbaijani citizen were subsequently arrested in connection with the stabbing. In the follow‑up police operation, dozens of Turkish and Azerbaijani nationals were detained—reports speak of about 45 Turkish and Azerbaijani individuals being held, many for alleged irregular stays or residence documentation issues.

Amid the unrest, local protests and anti‑foreign sentiment rose: demonstrators in Podgorica chanted slogans like "Turks out," vehicles and property belonging to Turkish nationals were vandalised, and a Turkish‑run restaurant was reportedly attacked. The Montenegrin government announced that it would temporarily suspend its visa‑free travel regime for Turkish nationals, citing the violence and the need to review entry and residence of foreign nationals. The President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, criticised that decision as hasty and warned it could harm bilateral relations with Turkey as well as Montenegrin citizens.