26 Dec 2019 | 06:05 PM UTC
Montenegro: Protest reported in Podgorica December 26
Hundreds gather in Podgorica to protest proposed Law on Religious Freedoms December 26; further demonstrations possible in the coming days
Event
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Podgorica on Thursday, December 26, to rally against the draft Law on Religious Freedoms, which would require religious communities in Montenegro to prove property ownership from before 1918. Opponents of the Law on Religious Freedoms claim the legislation is in violation of the constitution and would strip the Serbian Orthodox Church of its property. A vote on the bill is expected on Thursday or Friday, December 27.
Further protests are possible in the coming days.
Advice
Individuals in Podgorica are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate a heightened security presence and localized disruptions to business and transportation around protest sites.
