US Embassy: The Foreign Agents Act could stigmatize NGOs and hinder the critical work of independent media

The embassy points out that the American Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, to which ZBCG refers, is in accordance with the international obligations of the US in relation to human rights, to respect the rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly and expression, as well as not to seek to limit activities of civil society organizations or the media

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11.10.2024. 09:30h

The United States is deeply concerned about the possible consequences the proposed foreign agent law could have on democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and association in Montenegro, a NATO ally and candidate for membership in the European Union.

This is what the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica told "Vijesta" when asked about the initiative of the "For the Future of Montenegro" coalition, a member of the Government, to adopt a law on foreign agents.

"Such a law could limit the space for civil action, stigmatize civil society organizations that work to improve the lives of citizens of Montenegro, and hinder the critical work of independent media that report to the public based on facts. These elements are extremely important for all democratic institutions and systems." they say from the embassy.

They also say that the US Embassy has not seen the details of ZBCG's proposal and cannot comment on the alleged similarities with the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) of 1938, which ZBCG refers to.

"FARA is consistent with the international human rights obligations of the United States and respects the rights to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, and expression. FARA does not seek to limit the activities of civil society organizations or the media," the response to "News" states.