There is no explanation why the ruling majority is not adopting the "anti-mafia" law unless they want to give criminals additional time to hide money acquired through criminal activity and make it inaccessible to the competent authorities, said Filip Adžić, a member of the Presidency of the Civic Movement (GP) URA.
"Of the changes that occurred in 2020, this is the first time that the budget of Montenegro will be smaller compared to the previous year, regardless of the enormous debts of the Government of Montenegro, which clearly shows that the 'anti-mafia' law is desperately needed, in addition to dealing with criminal structures, to fill the budget," Adžić said in a statement.
He pointed out that the URA, in cooperation with eminent lawyers dealing with this issue, has further improved the legal solution they proposed a few months ago.
He added that for the last five years, URA has been proposing and insisting on the adoption of the law, for which there has been no will among all other parliamentary parties.
"With the new proposal, the URA wants to strengthen the fight against organized crime and corruption, but also to help fill the budget, which is in serious trouble. Our proposal involves shifting the burden of proof from institutions to criminal structures, which allows for savings of state resources and increases efficiency. Control of acquired property would be carried out in civil proceedings independently of criminal proceedings, which means that if someone is acquitted of a criminal offense they are charged with, but cannot prove the origin of the property, it will certainly be confiscated," Adžić pointed out.
He also said that the "anti-mafia" law is the only way to stop organized crime.
"...and until it is adopted, we will not believe in the true desire of the ruling majority to deal with crime and corruption," concluded Adžić.
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