Montenegro: Religion in Prisons

Abstract

The topic of this paper is religion in the Montenegrin penitentiary system, i.e. the legal and institutional framework, as well as the practice of exercising freedom of religion in Montenegrin prisons. It contains a section on the constitutional guarantees, legal solutions and international standards and a chronology on how the conditions for the exercise of freedom of religion have improved. Contracts between state and church and religious communities are also discussed with reference to their communication with prisoners, as well as monitoring mechanisms, both national and international, of the system of criminal sanctions in Montenegro, including the conditions for exercising the right to freedom of religion. With regard to conditions in prison, emphasis is placed on the premises for religious rituals and equipment of prison kitchens to prepare adequate meals according to prisoners’ religious affiliations. The main design for the construction of a multifunctional building that would serve the needs of prisoners, including those related to religion, is also outlined. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the strategic framework for the fight against violent extremism, with a discussion of the measures and activities under the remit of the Institute for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions. The topic of religion in prison is addressed in connection with Montenegro. It is an area in which good cooperation between the state and church and religious communities has been established. The conditions for exercising freedom of religion are subject to regular, open and constructive communication between the management of the Institute for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions and the authorised representatives of church and religious communities.