Podgorica, (MINA) - The European Alliance (ES), the Croatian Civic Initiative (HGI) and independent MP Miodrag Lakovic have submitted a request to the Constitutional Court for review of the constitutionality of certain provisions of the Law on Internal Affairs and asking it to be considered as a priority.

ES MP Nikola Zirojevic said at the press conference that despite their numerous well-intentioned warnings, the parliamentary majority maintained its position.

“Even after the President returned the law for reconsideration, nothing changed in the vote and as the public had the opportunity to see, a crisis was caused which, I’m afraid, will also have consequences for Montenegro’s European path”, said Zirojevic.

He added that, from the security aspect, the adoption of disputed provisions has created confusion within the police and a sense of insecurity among all honorable officers.

Zirojevic said that along with the proposal for constitutionality review, they also submitted a proposal for the Constitutional Court to consider their case as a priority.

He stated that, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and the Law on the Constitutional Court, they request from the Constitutional Court to order the suspension of the execution of individual actions taken on the basis of the contested provisions.

Commenting on the possibility that the Constitutional Court might not find the Law unconstitutional, Zirojevic said that in this case one does not need legal expertise to conclude that the provisions are unconstitutional.

“If the Constitutional Court does not make a decision on unconstitutionality, then I think we no longer have a Constitutional Court and then it would be pointless to communicate with it any further. I believe that judges have both human and professional integrity and will not allow their reputation to be tarnished”, said Zirojevic.

HGI leader Adrijan Vuksanovic said that, after hearing representatives of NGOs, trade unions, and the President, they are using the legal modality to protect the public interest.

Lakovic said that he deeply believes that the Law on Internal Affairs is unconstitutional and that many its provisions contradict the basic principles of the Constitution.

According to him, if police officers do not believe that the system will treat them fairly, it will affect their work, performance and loyalty to the Police Administration.