RS revokes decree on inciting panic and disorder, RS MUP withdraws misdemeanour warrants

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The Government of Republika Srpska adopted a Proposal for a decree having the force of law on the termination of validity of the Decree having the force of law on the prohibition of inciting panic and disorder during a state of emergency („Official Gazette of Republika Srpska“, number 32/20), after which it was forwarded to the President of Republika Srpska for adoption, announced the MUP of this entity.

The reasons for adopting this Decree are contained in the fact that during the application of the current Decree, citizens complied with the measures and instructions of the competent authorities, and informed themselves about the epidemiological situation through official announcements of the competent institutions, the statement says.

"Although there were fake news and information in the previous period, citizens informed themselves about the epidemiological situation based on official announcements and information from competent institutions and fake news did not have a significant impact on the behaviour of citizens, the functioning of the system and the work of competent authorities in preventing the spread of infection. Bearing in mind the above, conditions have been met for the termination of validity of the Decree having the force of law on the prohibition of inciting panic and disorder during a state of emergency", it adds.

In accordance with this, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska will withdraw all misdemeanour warrants that were previously issued in accordance with the Decree having the force of law on the prohibition of inciting panic and disorder during a state of emergency, as well as the Decision on the prohibition of inciting panic and disorder during an emergency situation on the territory of Republika Srpska, which the Government of Republika Srpska put out of force on 03.04.2020.

We recall, the OSCE expressed fear in recent days that these decrees would affect freedom of speech and democracy in this entity.