Montenegro puts free legal aid instrument into practice

Podgorica, Montenegro (25 November 2011) -- Free legal aid instrument is an important project in Montenegro’s legal system as it provides equal access to justice for all people regardless of their material situation and social status, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Duško Marković said at the opening of the first Office for free legal aid in Basic Court in Podgorica earlier today.

The Law on free legal aid was adopted on 5 April 2011 and the beginning of its implementation is scheduled for 1 January 2012. The law provides the right to fair trail and equal access to courts for all individuals who, due to their financial status, are not able to exercise the right to judicial protection. It includes providing necessary funds to fully or partially cover the cost of legal advice, drafting documents and representation before courts, State Prosecution, Supreme Court and in settling disputes procedures.

Introducing the free legal aid instrument into Montenegro judiciary contributes to meeting constitutional and international standard of equality before courts regardless of any particularity or personal feature, further democratisation of Montenegrin society and the fulfilment of one of the EU accession requirements, DPM Marković underlined.

Montenegrin Justice Ministry will, in cooperation with the UNDP Office in Montenegro and Norwegian and Dutch governments, establish free legal aid services in all basic courts in Montenegro.