The Serbian government is proposing an amendment to Article 290 of the Criminal Code, which would effectively criminalize road blockades and carry a potential penalty of imprisonment. The change removes the requirement that an obstruction must endanger life or property to be an offense, meaning halting transport services contrary to regulations is now sufficient for prosecution. Civil society has heavily criticized the process, noting the government’s drive to expedite the amendments and limit public consultation. Critics condemn this as a serious violation of the freedom of assembly and a form of political reprisal aimed at suppressing the civic discontent that followed the Novi Sad canopy collapse. Activists urge the Ministry of Justice to withdraw the amendment.
Source: Civic Initiatives Alert