Imagine a country where citizens take to the streets daily, block roads, and shout for justice, only for the government to respond with a law banning them from doing so! Welcome to Montenegro in 2025, where on Statehood Day, July 13th, protests at Kruševo Ždrijelo will not take place — not because the problem is solved, but out of “respect for love of the homeland.” But on July 14th, the citizens of Cetinje will continue the fight for justice for 23 victims and ten wounded, because the silence of institutions is unacceptable.
The Montenegrin Parliament has on its agenda amendments to the law on public gatherings that foresee a ban on blocking roads. Fines for organizers and participants of protests who block roads will be monetary, and get this — only 10 euros! Yes, you read that right — just 10 euros for choking one of the fundamental forms of civic expression of dissatisfaction.
The opposition in parliament has called this law “at least shameful” and “unconstitutional,” as the proposal appeared without any explanation and without the presence of the proposer at the session. Opposition MPs claim the law is unserious and aims to silence the voice of the people demanding justice and accountability for mass murders and institutional inaction.
Citizens of Užice in Serbia have also been on the streets for days, blocking main roads demanding the release of detained demonstrators. Seven people have been arrested, including councilors and lawyers, with 30-day detention ordered for alleged attacks on officials. Although students in Serbia postponed blockades due to wildfires, solidarity and dissatisfaction persist.
This wave of protests and repression is not just a local problem — it shows how ready authorities are to choke freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. The law banning road blockades in Montenegro is just the tip of the iceberg of repression spreading across the region.
If you think a 10-euro fine for blocking a road is a joke, think again. It’s a message that the government doesn’t care about your dissatisfaction, is ready to ignore and punish, but not to solve the problems you protest about. And you? Will you stay silent or join those who cannot speak? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or just throw in a sarcastic meme — because now is not the time to be quiet!
