How physical clash took place between Serbian MPs

The word is for Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic, Radio Free Europe reports.

The Serbian opposition deputies' move concerned the fact that Serbia has not yet responded to adopting a law on religious communities in Montenegro, which has raised concerns that this document could lift the Serbian Orthodox Church's right to ownership in properties it manages.

Serbian MPs demanded an extraordinary session of the Serbian Parliament for the situation in Montenegro.

Then there was a physical confrontation with the ruling majority deputies.

Obradovic stopped before the head of the session and asked MPs “if they support the kidnapping of Serbian churches and monasteries and the arrest of deputies in Montenegro”.

He was then approached by the head of the parliamentary group of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, Aleksandar Martinovic, and other parliamentary majority deputies, causing physical fighting.

Parliament Speaker Maja Gojkovic urged MPs to stay in their seats and not answer what she called the provocation by Bosko Obradovic.

She also asked the Parliament Security Service not to react. The hearing was then postponed but resumed very quickly.

Why is the law being rejected in Montenegro?

Montenegro's Parliament has adopted a bill for religious communities, which has been rejected by the pro-Serbian opposition, raising concern that this document could lift the Serbian Orthodox Church's right to ownership.

During the session, violent protests have been held within parliament's chamber.

In the early hours of December 27th, lawmakers have voted in favour of the bill, while members of the opposition Democratic Front party have attempted to prevent this process.

About 36 MPs have boycotted the vote, offering the governing coalition clear road to adopt the bill after eight hours of debate.

Some of the lawmakers who protested have left the building from law enforcement officials, though it has not been disclosed whether they have been detained.

During Thursday, hundreds of supporters of the pro-Serbian opposition have taken to the streets of the capital, Podgorica, to oppose the bill.

Protesters have been angered by this document's request to provide pre 1918 property data when Montenegro has joined the Yugoslav Kingdom.

The Serbian Orthodox Church claims the law will take over the property, including monasteries and churches, so it plans to file complaints to international organisations.

Montenegrin officials have denied the assumption that the church would lose its property/ REL.