Serbian Parliament Debates Judicial Reforms Amidst MP Expulsion

The Serbian Parliament is continuing its debate on a set of judicial law amendments, a package previously adopted at the initiative of Uglješa Mrdić from the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The comprehensive discussion covers 32 agenda items for the extraordinary session, including judicial reforms developed by the government based on recommendations from the Venice Commission. These are often referred to as the "Mrdić laws."

During the debate, 37 amendments were presented, with those proposed by the opposition reportedly rejected. The session is also anticipated to include parliamentary questions on current affairs, and a vote on the amendments is expected within the week. The Minister of Justice, Nenad Vujić, stated during the discussion that the Venice Commission had provided a positive opinion on the proposed changes.

Earlier, Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić disciplined two MPs from the New Face of Serbia party, Miloš Parandilović and Dragan Ninković, by removing them from the session for 20 days. Brnabić cited their alleged manipulation of the electronic attendance system, claiming they sought to collect a 15,000 dinar fee for a session Parandilović did not attend. Evidence, including security camera footage and attendance records, reportedly supports the claim that Parandilović was not present in the parliament building on June 17.

The agenda also includes amendments to laws concerning judges, public prosecutors, high-tech crime, the High Council of Prosecutors, and court and prosecutor's office jurisdictions. Additionally, MPs are discussing changes to laws on human cells and tissues, organ transplantation, and measures to support young people in purchasing their first homes. The extraordinary session of the Serbian Parliament commenced on June 17.

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The Venice Commission gave a positive opinion on the proposed changes.