Montenegro Parliament approves constitutional changes to remove official immunity

Montenegro Parliament constitutional amendment immunity removal anti-corruption law asset seizure

The Parliament of Montenegro has passed significant legislative and constitutional changes aimed at combating corruption. In a unanimous vote by the 66 MPs present, the assembly approved a constitutional amendment to remove immunity for the President and members of the Government regarding criminal offenses committed in the performance of their official duties. This move is intended to align the national legal system with international anti-corruption standards, specifically recommendations from GRECO, and to facilitate Montenegro’s EU integration.

The Constitutional Committee has been granted four days to finalize the text of the amendments. Proponents emphasized that the change does not eliminate immunity entirely but limits it to ensure that high-ranking officials are held accountable for corruption, bribery, and abuse of office, while still protecting them from political persecution regarding their opinions and votes.

Additionally, the Parliament approved a law on the seizure of property acquired through criminal activity. This legislation, which received 43 votes in favor, includes provisions for the potential permanent seizure of assets in cases of criminal association even before a final court verdict. While the parliamentary majority hailed the law as a vital tool for justice, opposition members boycotted the vote, expressing concerns that the law could be subject to selective application and political abuse.

Entities

Andrija Mandić · Andrija Nikolić · Croatia · Dritan Abazović · GRECO · Momo Koprivica · Montenegro · Parliament of Montenegro · Prijatelji životinja · Snježana Klopotan Kačavenda

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The property seizure law allows for permanent seizure of assets in cases of criminal association before a final verdict. rtnk.me
[DISPUTED] The Montenegrin Parliament unanimously approved a proposal to amend the Constitution. nova.rs
[DISPUTED] All 66 MPs present at the session voted in favor of the constitutional amendment proposal. otvoreno.me · nova.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] Parliament approved a law on the seizure of property acquired through criminal activity. rtnk.me
[● 2 SOURCES] The immunity removal aims to align Montenegro with GRECO recommendations and EU standards. otvoreno.me · radiotitograd.me
[● 2 SOURCES] The Constitutional Committee has four days to establish the draft text of the amendments. otvoreno.me · nova.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] Opposition members boycotted the vote on the property seizure law due to concerns over potential abuse. rtnk.me
[● 3 SOURCES] The amendment removes immunity for the President and members of the Government regarding crimes against official duties. nova.rs · radiotitograd.me · radiobijelopolje.me