Statement by Director General of Directorate for Relations with Religious Communities Žana Filipović regarding publication of Venice Commission's Opinion on Law on Freedom of Religion

Transcript of statement by Žana Filipović, Director General of the Directorate for Relations with Religious Communities of the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, on the occasion of the publication of the Venice Commission's Opinion on the Law on Freedom of Religion: 

Today, the Venice Commission published its opinion on the Law on Freedom of Religion or Beliefs and the Legal Status of Religious Communities, which it adopted on Friday, 21 June, at a plenary session in Venice. 

This opinion unambiguously confirmed the right of Montenegro to pass a modern and good law, protecting the property and cultural goods belonging to all citizens of Montenegro. 

Regarding the claims that the Venice Commission allegedly prevented the Government of Montenegro's intention to "unilaterally reregister or seize churches" – it simply is not true. 

Firstly, this was never the Government's intention, and secondly, recommendation of the Venice Commission, which relates to legal provisions on state property, contains precisely the explanation that the Government of Montenegro officially sent to the Venice Commission several days before the plenary session. This can be confirmed by all members of the Venice Commission. 

Therefore, not only this recommendation is not contrary to the Government's position, but the very text of this recommendation has been proposed by the Government and we are very pleased that the Venice Commission accepted it almost unanimously.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/p-ify7hB48s

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF MONTENEGRO