Political Tensions Grow in Montenegro

Montenegro march, Serbian Orthodox Church clergy (Beta/AP/Risto Bozovic)

A decision to pass a new Religious Freedom Act has not only raised tensions between Belgrade and Podgorica, but also within Montenegrin society. The Montenegrin parliament passed the bill late last year by a slim majority – it was supported by the ruling coalition and a minor opposition party, the Social Democrats. Also opposing the new law were the influential Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro, pro-Serbian opposition parties and the authorities in Serbia. The opponents to the new piece of legislation have launched massive protests across Montenegro, and the chief protest organizer, the Serbian Orthodox Church, promises they will continue until the law has been amended.