The Centre for Monitoring and Research (CeMI) strongly condemns the draft law on foreign agents, which was proposed today by the coalition for the future of Montenegro. We believe that this bill is part of a deliberate strategy aimed at weakening the non-governmental sector, which is one of the key defenses against corruption and abuse of power. This is also the first step towards narrowing and stifling basic civil rights and freedoms.

"Those who follow international political events more closely will immediately recognize that this proposal is inspired by controversial laws adopted in Russia, Belarus and other countries under autocratic regimes," announced the Head of the Legal Department of CeMI, Vladimir Simonovic.

He believes that it would be naive to think that such a proposal is accidental, praising the MPs and members of the Government who recognized it, and who initially rejected this proposal, "thus showing political maturity and commitment to European values".

"As for the proponents of the law and those who support it, I invite them to come to one of the states where similar laws have been adopted and see firsthand the effects of the policy they advocate. Let them see how the citizens, under the threat of repressive measures, fear that talk to journalists, express their political views or participate in activities that criticize the government," said Simonovic.

He said that this atmosphere of fear and self-censorship is a direct consequence of laws that target the activities of civil society.

"But I assume that they know that very well," Simonovic concluded.