Montenegro’s parliament will continue its session today and is expected to debate proposed amendments to the Law on Public Assemblies and Public Events. The changes, proposed by MPs from the ruling coalition, aim to prohibit protests on key roads, including highways, major and local roads, and border crossings, particularly when such gatherings disrupt traffic, endanger public safety, or limit citizens’ freedom of movement.
The proposal includes significantly higher fines for organisers and participants. Legal entities organising such protests could face fines of up to €10,000. Responsible individuals within those organisations could be fined between €3,000 and €5,000, while individual organisers may face penalties ranging from €1,000 to €2,000. Even regular participants who attend protests at prohibited locations could be fined between €500 and €2,000. Protest leaders who block emergency vehicles or obstruct traffic would also face increased penalties compared to the current law. The amendments also require that any protests held on roads must allow for the unobstructed movement of people and vehicles.
These changes have sparked criticism from citizens and NGOs. Protesters from Krusevo Zdrijelo argue that no law can silence the voice of the people and question the motives of MPs supporting the amendments. Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Action, the Center for Women’s Rights, and the Alternative Institute, have condemned the proposed changes as a serious violation of human rights and democratic processes. While they acknowledge the challenges posed by prolonged road blockades, especially during the tourist season, they stress that the solution should not be to restrict fundamental freedoms, but rather to ensure democratic mechanisms that protect both freedom of movement and the right to peaceful assembly.
In addition to this debate, today’s parliamentary agenda includes discussions on international trade agreements, specifically regarding goods that could be used for capital punishment or torture, and amendments to laws governing public services.
