A/HRC/32/36/Add.3 Moldova (Republic of) 529. JAL 07/12/2015. Case no. MDA 5/2015. State reply: 21/01/2016. Alleged stigmatization and criminal proceedings against civil society associations and human rights defenders in direct response to their legitimate and peaceful human rights work in the Transnistrian region. Observations Response to communication 530. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Moldova for responding to the communication sent during this reporting period. 531. In connection with the criminal proceedings initiated against the human rights association, Promo-LEX, in the region of Transnistria, the Special Rapporteur notes the State’s reply of 21 January 2016 (MDA 5/2015). However, he remains concerned about the situation of human rights organisations in the region and acknowledges the measures taken by the Government of Moldova in this regard. Additionally, he would appreciate information about whether a reply has subsequently been received from Political Representatives in Tiraspol relating to the case and whether there has been any dialogue on such matters. 532. The Special Rapporteur takes this opportunity to remind the Government of Moldova that it has a positive obligation to ensure a safe and conducive environment to the free exercise of the right of association, as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, acceded by the Republic of Moldova on 26 January 1973 (A/HRC/29/25/Add.3, paras. 44, 45 and 46). Montenegro 533. JOL 02/03/2015. Case no. MNE 1/2015. State reply: 29/04/2015. Alleged fasttracked reform of the Public Assembly Act adopted by the Parliament, which allegedly excessively and disproportionately limits the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. 534. JAL 10/12/2015. Case no. MNE 2/2015. State reply: 16/01/2016. Alleged situation of intimidation and violence against journalists and media outlets, as well as in the context of protests in the country. Observations Responses to communications 535. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Montenegro for responding to all the communications sent during this reporting period. Reform of the Public Assembly Act 536. Amendments were made to the Public Assembly Act through a fast-tracked procedure to address gaps in the law and the Special Rapporteur notes the Government’s reply of 29 April 2015 in response to concerns of provisions that excessively and disproportionately limit the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression (MNE 1/2015). He remains concerned that provisions relating to blanket bans, geographical restrictions, mandatory notifications and authorizations based on the message of assemblies 77