Ban on Road Blockades in Montenegro: Democratic Protests or Rights Suppression?
Are you ready for the state to tell you when and where you can protest? Montenegro is preparing a law that could ban blockades of certain roads, and the opposition is already raising its voice against this move by the government. Is this the end of protest freedom or a necessary step for the functioning of the state? Let’s unravel this political soap opera!
What’s Happening?
At the last session of the Montenegrin Parliament, there was no discussion on the proposed law banning blockades of certain roads. The proposers say the law needs to be aligned with the Constitution and European regulations because the state must function, and blockades often cause chaos, especially during the tourist season.
Amer Smailović, one of the proposers, says the law will be corrected to precisely define which roads cannot be blocked, and local roads will be excluded. Penalties for violating the law could be up to 10,000 euros.
Opposition Says No to Blocking the Protests!
The opposition is furious! They claim that the right to protest is one of the fundamental democratic achievements and that this law violates the Constitution and endangers basic citizens’ rights. Janović from the opposition says that those who are now passing this law once protested themselves and did not respect institutions, so it’s hypocritical to now suppress the right to protest.
He warns that the right to dissent must not be restricted, as it is not only a right but a duty of citizens in a democratic society. The opposition announces resistance and calls on the government to withdraw the law.
Why Does the Government Want This Law?
The ruling majority claims that road blockades are often abused and infringe on the rights of other citizens as well as the functioning of the state. The tourist season is a particularly sensitive time, and blockades can cause huge problems for tourists and locals.
Smailović says there are other ways for citizens to express dissatisfaction without endangering free movement and daily functioning.
What’s Next?
Although the discussion was postponed, the government believes the law will be adopted and acceptable to all. The opposition, however, believes this is just another bad move that will only further escalate the political situation in Montenegro.
Fines of 10,000 euros for blocking roads sound serious, but will it really stop protests or just fuel even bigger rebellion?
Conclusion
Montenegro stands at a crossroads between democracy and authoritarianism. Will the government manage to control protests and maintain order, or will citizens stand up for their rights and freedoms? One thing is certain – this topic will remain in the spotlight for a long time, and the debate on the law banning road blockades is just beginning.
And you? Do you think banning blockades is a justified measure or a dangerous suppression of the right to protest? Drop a comment, let your voice be heard – or at least let it be known you’re not just a bystander in this political drama!
