Bosnian Serbs Adopt 'Net Censorship' Law

The assembly of Bosnia's Serbian-dominated entity, Republika Srpska, on Thursday adopted changes to the Law on Public Peace and Order, which opposition parties and some international rights organizations have called an attack on free speech.

The law was adopted with the votes of the ruling coalition led by the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, SNSD, of Milorad Dodik. 

At least one MP from the "Homeland" [Domovina] political bloc - which is made of representatives of Bosniak and Croat parties - also voted for the disputed law.

By adopting the changes in spite of strong criticism from local and international actors, the ruling coalition showed its political muscle.

Other opposition parties walked out of the session during the debate and vote on the law.

"The police can now arrest anyone if it wants without a warrant from a prosecutor, or to keep him in detention for 24 hours," Dragan Cavic, an MP from the opposition bloc, complained.

Another opposition MP, Miroslav Brckalo, said the changes were "proof that the regime is afraid of the people".

The Speaker of the Assembly from the ruling bloc, Nedeljko Cubrilovic, said the intention of the new law was not to limit freedom of expression on the Internet and that much of the criticism was a result of a misunderstanding.

According to local media, some of the amendments that were adopted in the process of debate on this law have softened the original text.

  As a result, sanctions will not be applicable against those who publicly criticize the work of state bodies or other public institutions.

However, the clarification has failed to halt the criticism coming from local and international actors.

The EU delegation to Bosnia...