Podgorica, (MINA) – President of Montenegro Jakov Milatovic has returned the amendments to the Law on Internal Affairs, adopted by the Parliament on Friday, to the Parliament for reconsideration.

In his explanation, Milatovic stated that he fully understands and strongly supports the need for this law to provide normative prerequisites for personnel improvement in the police system.

“Furthermore, I support the efforts aimed at decisively “cleansing” the service of individuals who undermine the integrity of the police profession and obstruct the fight against crime”, said Milatovic.

According to him, after reviewing the adopted law, as well as numerous remarks made by the European Commission (EC), the Association of Lawyers of Montenegro and relevant NGOs, he assessed it to be his duty to highlight the problematic nature of certain provisions.

Milatovic pointed out the inconsistencies with the EU legal acquis.

“The provisions of the adopted law are not aligned with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the EU Law Enforcement Directive (LED), as officially stated by the EC”, said Milatovic.

As he said, although the EC allows for subsequent harmonization until the conclusion of negotiations, from the aspect of Montenegrin citizens’s rights and their protection, it is of crucial importance that the legal framework in this sensitive area is immediately harmonized with the highest European standards, rather that postponed without clear justification.

Milatovic said that there are inconsistencies with the Constitution regarding the right to defense and the presumption of innocence.

He said that the views of the European Court of Human Rights were not respected.

“Such solutions will inevitably lead to high compensation claims that will be paid by all citizens of Montenegro”, added Milatovic.

Milatovic emphasized that retroactivity is also problematic.

He further criticized the absence of an inclusive approach in preparing the law.

“By denying the right of the professional public and citizens to make suggestions and comments, the democratic principle of inclusivity has been violated. It is unjustified for decision-makers to ignore the arguments of their own citizens and relevant experts”, said Milatovic.