07.03.2025. » 12:44 | ACDC
Public Statement by Civil Society Organizations: Random Detention of Minors and Ethnic Bias in the Kosovo Police
The random detention of three minor individuals of Serbian nationality by the Kosovo Police last night, without justifiable cause, without informing the parents, and using excessive force, demonstrates clear unprofessionalism and, even more concerning, a strong ethnic bias within the Kosovo Police.
In the same case, according to one of the detained minors of Bosniak nationality, inhumane treatment by police officers in the police unit was also recorded. According to his testimony, he suffered police torture at the hands of both uniformed officers and individuals in civilian clothes in a room without cameras. This is part of a pattern of police torture, similar to what Miloš Subotić endured last October, which clearly indicates that the response from the relevant authorities and international institutions that cooperate with and financially support the Kosovo Police has been inadequate.
According to Article 38 of the Child Protection Law (06/L-084), all physical punishment and disciplinary measures that harm the human dignity of a child are prohibited, including physical and mental violence and degrading treatment by any person, including law enforcement agencies. A child shall not be subjected to torture, inhuman or degrading treatment, corporal punishment, or any undignified treatment.
Additionally, according to Article 4 of the Juvenile Justice Law (CODE No. 06/L-006), the deprivation of liberty of minors should be a last resort and limited to the shortest possible period. Minors must be treated humanely, with respect for their dignity and the right to legal assistance.
Last night’s incident further highlights the concerning security situation faced by the Serbian and other minority communities in northern Kosovo, as it confirms that the greatest threat to security comes from the institution that is supposed to guarantee it – the Kosovo Police. This means that, according to the actions we witnessed last night, every resident of northern Kosovo, regardless of age, gender, or any alleged guilt, is exposed to the risk of police violence.
Such a security situation in northern Kosovo is unsustainable and requires not only urgent action from the Kosovo Police Inspectorate and the competent prosecutor’s office but also a strong diplomatic initiative from the EU and the US. The goal of this initiative must be the re-establishment of constitutionally guaranteed proportional ethnic representation in the local police, as well as the appointment of a Kosovo Serb to the position of regional police commander, in accordance with the provisions of the Brussels Agreement.
We also call on EULEX to increase its monitoring of the Kosovo Police in northern Kosovo, particularly in the context of ethnically biased conduct, to document and prevent the abuse of authority.
We are also aware that the Kosovo Police, through biased interpretation of the law, will claim that it acted in accordance with protocols or argue that it was a mistake, and that EULEX will cite its limited mandate. Such patterns of denial of responsibility only further emphasize the need to accelerate diplomatic efforts that would ensure institutional guarantees for the protection of Serbian and minority communities and the implementation of agreed international obligations.
Prepared and signed by:
- NGO CASA
- New Social Initiative
- InTER
- AKTIV
- ACDC
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