The non-governmental organizations Human Rights Action, Women’s Rights Centre and Alternative Institute continue to protest against the amendments and additions to the Law on Public Gatherings and Public Events, proposed by members of parliament from ruling political parties. The subsequently proposed amendments did not alleviate the fundamental flaws of the proposal, which absolutely — in any case — prohibits gatherings on public roads (meanwhile, only local roads have been excluded).

Not every protest on roads is illegal and unjustified, as is now intended to be prescribed contrary to international standards on the right to peaceful gathering.

It is still proposed that the absolute ban on gatherings on roads be supported by draconian fines, aimed at intimidating and discouraging gatherings, which is a particular problem and additionally disproportionate.

We again emphasize that, on the important issue of establishing a balance between the right to peaceful protest expression and the freedom of movement of traffic participants, an expert discussion should have been held 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 the members of Parliament to stand up for the protection of human rights and to take the opportunity in the Parliament to discuss why, in this heat, citizens are standing on the roads, whether the authorities have even tried to solve their problems through democratic instruments such as dialogue?!