Montenegro by law: Anyone who doesn't stand for the national anthem is fined

Montenegrins who do not stand up for their national anthem can suffer badly.

Montenegro's government approved changes to the Law on State Symbols and State Day of Montenegro, which include fines of 300 to 2,000 euros for those who do not rise when they are sung “Oh, the bright dawn of Montenegro”.

In a country where the average monthly salary is about 500 euros, such a fine should be a major incentive.

“In this way, Montenegro, like any other country, expresses its respect for the character of the state and its identity”, Culture Minister Aleksandar Bogdanovic said.

Changes in the law now pass to parliament, where they will likely be approved, taking into account support among ruling party lawmakers.

Measures sure to fuel controversy between Ethnic Serbs Montenegro, which makes up nearly a third of the population, some refuse to recognise the anthem, which was approved in 2004.

The national anthem text, formerly popular song, contains different personifications dating back to the second half of the 19th century.

The current version has been reformed by Sekula Drlevic, founder of Montenegro's independence movement and an associate with the Italian occupation during World War II.

But, the current version does not include references to Montenegrins of Serbian descent, prompting opposition parties -- primarily pro-Serbian -- to refuse to stand up for parliament's anthem.

Former Montenegrin President Filip Vujanovic, who says he is Montenegrin with Serbian descent, has always risen slowly when the anthem was sung and once said he heard it because of his commitment and not pleasure.

Similar performances can be seen even during football matches, where anthems are often ignored by some fans.

According to Minister Bogdanovic, such manifestations are at the centre of the legislation, which includes the “obligation to always keep Flag in the buildings of local self-government and public institutions, founded by the state or municipality”.

But the measure is also being attacked by those who view it as civil rights violations.

A free-minded person has the right to decide for himself whether to sit or stand up for the anthem”, a 24-year-old member of Podgorica tells Radio Free Europe Jovan.

Law singles out Montenegro New NATO member and membership candidate in the EU From the rest of the neighbours in the Balkans, where there is no such legislation.

In China, President Xi Jinping's administration has adopted a law last year, which envisions up to 15 days in prison for ridicule with the national anthem.