The Embassy of Russia in Montenegro posted on its Facebook profile a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that country, which states that serious concern is caused by the situation that arose in Montenegro due to the adoption of the Law on Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Legal Status of Religious Communities.
"The atmosphere in which it happened is indicated by the fact that there was a riot in the hall where the session was held and that 17 deputies of the opposition Democratic Front were detained, while in a number of cities there was a mass protest with the participation of religious representatives and public figures. The new legislative among other things, the act allows the Montenegrin authorities to withdraw from the use of the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) more than 650 religious buildings with the prospect of handing them over to the schismatic, unrecognized "Montenegrin Orthodox Church". In essence, it is about strengthening administrative pressure on the Serbian Orthodox Church, in order to completely oust it from Montenegro", the announcement reads.
They add that they are convinced of the necessity of strict observance of the legal rights of the canonical Orthodox churches.
"Ignoring their opinion, encroaching on historical reality, attempts to usurp property, artificially creating conditions for the separation of believers, is accompanied by major problems. The law passed by the Montenegrin Parliament and signed by the President of the country, Milo Đukanović, not only seriously affects the interests of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral "The SPC is already raising this issue to the international level. The unity and solidarity of the Orthodox world, as well as the preservation of its centuries-old foundations, are the key to ensuring the normal development of society," the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.
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