NSRS adopts draft amendments to the Criminal Code criminalizing defamation

(Patria) - Deputies of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted the Draft Law on Amendments to the Criminal Code of Republika Srpska.

Deputies of Milorad Dodik's SNSD, Petar Đokić's Socialist Party, Nenad Stevandić's United Srpska, Nenad Nešić's DNS, Darko Banjac's NPS, Goran Selak's SPS voted FOR.

The aim of this legal solution is to stifle free speech and label dissidents.

The draft law, among other things, will make defamation a criminal offense, with fines envisaged.

A conclusion on public debate was also adopted at the proposal of the Legislative Committee.

According to announcements, the public debate will last at least 60 days.

Earlier, UN special rapporteurs called on the RS authorities to withdraw the amendments to the Criminal Code from the procedure, following reactions from the media community and initiatives from civil society organizations.

Also, protests by journalists and citizens were held in Banja Luka, aimed at highlighting the triviality of the amendments to the Criminal Code, which envisages large fines.