Despite a series of public criticisms from the non-governmental sector and international organizations, the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska (NARS) will next week discuss the Draft Law by which the authorities in that entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) want to register “agents of foreign influence”.
Announcing the adoption of the law, Milorad Dodik, President of the RS, said that it will be based on the United States (U.S.) legal solutions.
However, according to research, the Draft is much more similar to the law adopted in Russia in 2012.
It foresees special surveillance for non-governmental organizations that are financed from abroad, banning political activities, additional registration, and the sending of financial reports. The entity’s minister of justice will be able to propose to the court a ban on their work.
What does the Draft Law regulate?
The law foresees the establishment of a Register of non-profit organizations established in the RS, which financially or in any other way help foreign subjects as agents of foreign influence.
According to the draft law, organizations are prohibited from political action and political activity.
What is controversial in the law?
What is also controversial is that the law leads to discrimination, because in case of violation, it prescribes a request for a ban on work without the possibility of appeal – which is not the case with other business entities.
It is also controversial that the law leads to discrimination because, in case of violation, it prescribes a request for a work ban without the possibility of appeal – which is not the case with other business entities, Radio SlobodnaEvropa reports.
E.Dz.