NGO Group: Not every protest on roads is illegal and unjustified, as is now being proposed

The non-governmental organizations Human Rights Action (HRA), the Women's Rights Center (CŽP), and the Institute Alternative (IA) continue to protest against amendments to the Law on Public Gatherings and Public Events, proposed by MPs from the ruling political parties.

This is stated in a joint statement by the three non-governmental organizations (NGOs), submitted by the HRA.

As they said, the subsequently proposed amendments did not alleviate the basic shortcomings of the proposal, which absolutely - in any case - prohibits gatherings on public roads (in the meantime, only local roads have been omitted).

"Not every protest on roads is illegal and unjustified, as is now being proposed in violation of international standards on the right to peaceful assembly. It is still being proposed that an absolute ban on gatherings on roads be supported by draconian fines, with the aim of intimidating and deterring gatherings, which is a separate problem and additionally disproportionate," the statement said.

They said they reiterated that an expert discussion should have been held on the important issue of establishing a balance between the right to peaceful protest and the freedom of movement of road users before amending the law, taking into account the practice of the European Court of Human Rights, as required by the European Union from Montenegro in the accession process.

"We appeal to MPs to stand up for human rights and use the opportunity in the Parliament to discuss why citizens are standing on the roads in this heat, have the authorities tried to solve their problems at all using democratic instruments, and what kind of dialogue is there?!", concludes a joint statement by HRA, CŽP and IA.

"Vijest" reported on June 25 that the proposed amendments to the law on public gatherings and public events proposed by the ruling majority MPs state that those who protest and thereby prevent or hinder traffic and the movement of other citizens will be fined between 500 and 10.000 euros.