Today, in cooperation with 36 non-governmental organizations, MANS sent an open letter to the Minister of Justice, Andrej Milovi\u0107, regarding the controversial solutions proposed by his Ministry, which relate to amendments to the Law on Prevention of Corruption.<\/p>\n
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GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO<\/strong><\/p>\n MINISTRY OF JUSTICE<\/strong><\/p>\n Attn. Mr. Andrej Milovi\u0107, Minister<\/strong><\/p>\n Podgorica, April 12, 2024<\/p>\n SUBJECT: OPEN LETTER<\/strong><\/p>\n Dear Minister of Justice,<\/p>\n We are addressing you with an open letter regarding the Draft Law on Prevention of Corruption, which in Article 44 paragraph 2 provides for the introduction of amnesty for all public officials who submitted inaccurate income and assets declarations five or more years ago.<\/span><\/p>\n This move has caused deep concern among citizens who believe in the transparency, accountability and integrity of all those elected or appointed to serve the public interest.<\/p>\n Corruption is a scourge that undermines the foundations of our society, stifles economic growth and erodes public trust in institutions. In the fight against corruption, it is crucial to send a clear message that no one is above the law and that all forms of corrupt behaviour will be sanctioned, regardless of the time period in which they were committed. By introducing amnesty for public officials who submitted incorrect financial reports, a message is sent that there is tolerance towards corruption.<\/p>\n We understand the need for reforms and modernization of the legislative framework related to IBAR, however, such reforms must go in the direction of strengthening the accountability system instead of its weakening.<\/p>\n Namely, integration into the European Union requires candidate countries not only to harmonize their legislation with the EU acquis, but also to demonstrate a strong commitment to the rule of law, transparency and the fight against corruption. The introduction of amnesty for public officials who submitted inaccurate income and assets declarations, as provided for in the Draft of the new Law on Prevention of Corruption, is directly contrary to these principles. Such a decision can be interpreted as a step backward in the fight against corruption and a deviation from the principles of the rule of law, which can have serious consequences on the EU integration process.<\/p>\n The principle of the rule of law requires that laws apply equally to all, without exception. By introducing amnesty for certain actions, the perception is created that there is a double standard and that some individuals are above the law. This undermines the trust in the legal system and institutions that are supposed to protect the public interest and promote justice and equality before the law.<\/p>\n Laws and reforms should serve as instruments for building a fairer and more transparent society, not as a means of pardoning those who have abused their positions.<\/p>\n Contrary to the current one, the proposed Draft Law was prepared without the participation of the non-governmental sector and was submitted to a public discussion within which comments can only be submitted in writing, while there was no public debate on the proposed solutions.<\/p>\n Therefore, we invite you to conduct a dialogue with all relevant actors in society, including civil society, professional public and international partners, in order to find the best solution that will strengthen the fight against corruption together. Our goal must be to create a transparent and accountable society where laws are respected and where all citizens can trust the integrity of those who represent them.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Below is a list of NGOs that signed the open letter:<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Network for Affirmation of NGO Sector \u2013 MANS<\/p>\n Human Rights Action \u2013 HRA<\/p>\n Centre for Development of Non-Governmental Organizations \u2013 CRNVO<\/p>\n NGO Center for Democratic Transition \u2013 CDT<\/p>\n Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro \u2013 CIN-CG<\/p>\n Women’s Rights Center \u2013 C\u017dP<\/p>\n Center for Protection and Research of Birds \u2013 CZIP<\/p>\n Association of Youth with Disabilities of Montenegro \u2013 UMHCG<\/p>\n NGO Anima<\/p>\n BIRN Montenegro<\/p>\n Institute for Socio-Political Research \u2013 Analitico<\/p>\n NGO Civic Alliance<\/p>\n NGO 35mm<\/p>\n LGBT Forum Progress<\/p>\n Trade Union of Medical Doctors of Montenegro<\/p>\n Organisation KOD<\/p>\n NGO Eko-team<\/p>\n NGO \u201cCentre for Entrepreneurship\u201d<\/p>\n Action for Social Justice<\/p>\n NGO \u201cAssociation of NATO victims in 1999\u201d Murino<\/p>\n The Association of Young Artists<\/p>\n Association Korina, Nik\u0161i\u0107<\/p>\n Montenegro Adventures<\/p>\n Fidelity consulting<\/p>\n Montenegrin Committee of Lawyers<\/p>\n Local Democracy Agency<\/p>\n NGO Centre for Security Policy and European Integration<\/p>\n NGO \u201cUZIP\u201d, Herceg Novi<\/p>\n NGO \u201cGroup of Citizens BU2\u201d<\/p>\n NGO \u201cSERDAR\u201d, Budva<\/p>\n NGO Ksena, Herceg Novi<\/p>\n NGO Alliance for Children and Youth – Home<\/p>\n NGO Restitucija<\/p>\n NGO \u0160kArt, Tivat<\/p>\n NGO Gradionica, Bar<\/p>\n NGO \u201cInclusion\u201c, Pljevlja<\/p>\n In addition, the letter was directly supported by over 20 journalist from various media outlets, civil activists, as well as thousands of citizens through social media platforms.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Today, in cooperation with 36 non-governmental organizations, MANS sent an open letter to the Minister of Justice, Andrej Milovi\u0107, regarding the controversial solutions proposed by his Ministry, which relate to amendments to the Law on Prevention of Corruption. \u00a0 GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO MINISTRY OF JUSTICE Attn. Mr. Andrej Milovi\u0107, Minister Podgorica, April 12, 2024 SUBJECT:<\/p>\n