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Montenegro judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts

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2026-08-22 15:55 UTC → 2026-08-25 17:45 UTC · added removed

Montenegro human rights and judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts

In Montenegro, recent legislative developments have focused on strengthening human rights and judicial oversight. The Human Rights Action (HRA) submitted proposals to Parliament regarding constitutional amendments aimed at reforming the Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils. These proposals suggest changing council membership, introducing a selection system for lawyers, and granting individual four-year mandates legal developments continue to members. Following these judicial reform efforts, the Government of Montenegro submitted a draft Law focus on the Protection of Human Rights and Freedoms to the Assembly. This legislation proposes expanding the powers of the Ombudsman, specifically authorizing unannounced visits to locations where individuals are deprived of their liberty. The draft also includes protection mechanisms for vulnerable groups, such as children, women, and persons with disabilities. Neda Radović, Executive Director of the NGO Sistem, noted that such “increased institutional mechanisms and preventive measures are essential for effective judicial reform, human rights protection in practice.” Furthering rights, and anti-corruption efforts, the measures. The government has proposed constitutional amendments to abolish immunity for government members regarding criminal offenses committed during official duties. The proposal also introduces 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. 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.

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  1. 2026-08-25 17:45 UTC Montenegro judicial reform and anti-corruption efforts
  2. 2026-08-22 15:55 UTC Montenegro human rights and judicial reform efforts
  3. 2026-08-22 06:46 UTC Montenegro human rights and judicial reform efforts

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