The police in Podgorica arrested a man identified by initials B.V. suspected of trying to organise a massive gathering outside the Temple of Christ's Resurrection in Montenegro's capital in support of detained Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) archbishop and several priests, the FoNet news agency reported on Thursday.

 The clergy was detainedfor 72 hours for violating the Government's ban on gathering during the pandemic after they held a service and a feast on St. Vasilije Day in Montenegro.

The police said, “B.V. together with M.B., B.B. and other people tried to organise people to rally in significant numbers in front of the Temple in Podgorica.”

 The police statement said they received information that the plan was to gather in the Temple and then to block the roundabout and a street near the Atlas Capital Centre. After forensic expertise of V.B. mobile phone, police said, material evidence that supported the information was collected.  

On Wednesday night, the tensions in Montenegro were high with protesters attacking the police which used teargas and shock bombs to disperse the crowds.

The police also said that 26 police officers were injured in the incidents.