SARAJEVO, 11.04.2019.- The Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU Special Representative in BiH is concerned that draft amendments to the RS Law on Public Peace and Order, if adopted, would adversely affect the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Republika Srpska (RS), in particular freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

Consequently, we urge the RS authorities to reconsider the draft amendments in order to align them with EU and international standards. The EU stands ready to provide assistance in this regard.

We take note that the RS National Assembly will consider a number of draft laws at its session on 16 April including the draft amendments to the RS Law on Public Peace and Order. We welcome Minister Lukac’s indicated readiness to improve the draft amendments and call on the RS National Assembly to take on-board any changes that would bring the Law on Public Peace and Order closer to EU and international standards, before the draft is adopted in the second reading.
BHN, Sarajevo, 11/04/2019