CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENTS APPROVED

BANJA LUKA, JULY 9 /SRNA/ – The National Assembly of Republika Srpska today adopted, under an expedited procedure, amendments to the Republika Srpska Criminal Code providing for prison sentences of up to three years for glorifying the Independent State of Croatia /NDH/ and the so-called Army of BiH.

Under the amendments, anyone who, through the press, radio, television, computer systems, social media or by any other means, in a public place or at a public gathering, promotes, glorifies, disseminates, supports or encourages a positive assessment or acceptance of the Ustasha movement or the Ustasha ideology of the NDH, or publicly displays and promotes the flags and symbols of the so-called Army of BiH, will face a prison sentence of up to three years.

The Assembly also adopted, under an expedited procedure, the Law on Cemeteries and Funeral Services of Republika Srpska, which provides for fines for those responsible for symbols displayed in cemeteries that glorify or promote the ideology of the NDH, as well as Ustasha, Nazi and fascist ideology.

Graves, tombs, headstones, memorials and other structures within cemeteries may not contain symbols or inscriptions that offend the religious, moral or national sentiments of the Serb people or any other citizens.

Lawmakers also adopted amendments to the Law on the Exercise of the Right to Free Legal Aid in Republika Srpska, as well as the draft law amending the Law on Health Chambers.

Republika Srpska National Assembly Speaker Nenad Stevandić concluded the first part of the parliamentary session and scheduled its continuation for Tuesday, July 14, at 10:00 a.m.

The Assembly will resume by considering the draft law amending the Law on the Trade in Explosive Materials and Flammable Liquids and Gases.

Lawmakers will also consider draft amendments to the Law on the Transport of Hazardous Materials and the Law on Renewable Energy Sources.