Montenegro President signs new laws on sports and memorials

Montenegrin President Jakov Milatović has signed decrees promulgating amendments to the Law on Sports and the Law on Memorials. The changes, adopted by Parliament on October 13, introduce new regulatory frameworks, including the ability for the Government to retroactively legalize existing memorials and establishing unified criteria for naming sports facilities.

The President noted that these laws were passed without extensive public or professional debate, emphasizing that the Government must ensure transparent and lawful implementation.

In response, the Association of 1990s War Veterans of Montenegro, led by Radan Nikolić, has criticized the amendments. Nikolić characterized the move as a capitulation to demands from Croatia, alleging that the laws undermine Montenegrin independence and legal integrity. He specifically cited the potential legalization of a controversial memorial plaque in Morinj and the removal of the name of water polo player Zoran Gopčević as consequences of these changes. The Association announced plans to seek protection from the Constitutional Court and the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms.