# Montenegro judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-human-rights-and-judicial-reform-efforts
> Updated: 2026-08-24T05:05:52.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 4.

In Montenegro, legislative and legal developments continue to focus on judicial reform, human rights, and anti-corruption measures. The government has proposed constitutional amendments to abolish immunity for government members regarding criminal offenses committed during official duties and to introduce mandatory prior integrity checks for mandate holders and Cabinet candidates. Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica stated these measures aim to implement “strict corruption prevention standards” to support Montenegro’s goal of achieving full European Union membership. An extraordinary parliamentary session is scheduled for September 2 to discuss the removal of immunity, while discussions on integrity checks will follow a standard 30-day procedure.

Simultaneously, the judiciary is facing increased scrutiny regarding accountability. Lawyer Marijana Laković has called for investigations into reports of improper conduct at the Podgorica Misdemeanor Court and its branches in Danilovgrad, Nikšić, and Cetinje, suggesting that those responsible should face disciplinary and criminal proceedings if findings are verified. 

In a high-profile legal case, defense attorneys for former Supreme Court President Vesna Medenica have appealed her ten-year prison sentence. Attorneys Zdravko Begović and Zdenka Tomanović argue there is no evidence Medenica exerted unlawful influence on judges, noting that judges testified they faced no such pressure. The defense is seeking to have the verdict overturned and the case returned to the court of first instance for a new trial.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Montenegro judiciary faces scrutiny over misconduct reports and high-profile appeals

Legal experts in Montenegro call for accountability following reports of misconduct in misdemeanor courts, while defense lawyers appeal the ten-year sentence of former Supreme Court President Vesna Medenica.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-judiciary-faces-scrutiny-over-misconduct-reports-and-high-profile-appeals

### 2026-08-22: Montenegro proposes constitutional changes to abolish ministerial immunity

Montenegro's government has proposed constitutional changes to abolish ministerial immunity for official crimes and mandate integrity checks for candidates to bolster anti-corruption efforts.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-proposes-constitutional-changes-to-abolish-ministerial-immunity

### 2026-08-22: Montenegro proposes expanded powers for Ombudsman

Montenegro's government has proposed a new law granting the Ombudsman expanded powers, including unannounced inspections of detention facilities and enhanced protections for vulnerable groups.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegro-proposes-expanded-powers-for-ombudsman

### 2026-08-08: Montenegro's Human Rights Action proposes reforms to judicial councils

Human Rights Action submitted proposals to Montenegro's constitutional committee to amend the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils, calling for exclusion of top judges, a new lawyer‑selection method, individual

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/montenegros-human-rights-action-proposes-reforms-to-judicial-councils

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Cite as: Montenegro judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/montenegro-human-rights-and-judicial-reform-efforts