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Montenegro Adopts Law on Religious Rights Amid Protests by pro-Serbs

Associated Press

   PODGORICA, MONTENEGRO - Montenegro's parliament adopted a contested law
   on religious rights early Friday after chaotic scenes in the assembly
   that resulted in the detention of all pro-Serb opposition lawmakers.

   The vote followed a day of nationwide protests by supporters of the
   Serbian Orthodox Church who say the law will strip the church of its
   property, including medieval monasteries and churches. The government
   has denied that.

   Trying to prevent the vote, the pro-Serb lawmakers hurled what appeared
   to be a tear gas canister, or a firecracker, and tried to destroy
   microphones in the parliament hall. Plainclothes police wearing gas
   masks intervened, detaining 24 people, including 18 opposition
   lawmakers.

   "We are ready to die for our church and that's what we are
   demonstrating tonight," opposition leader Andrija Mandic said shortly
   after midnight during the tumultuous session.

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