20.06.2023. » 14:55 | ACDC
The Ombudsperson met the representatives of the civil society in northern Mitrovica
Prishtina, June 16, 2023 - Based on the situation created recently in the northern municipalities of Kosovo, the Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj and his deputy, Mr. Niman Hajdari, met with civil society representatives where they discussed the state of human rights and the tense situation there.
Prishtina, June 16, 2023 - Based on the situation created recently in the northern municipalities of Kosovo, the Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj and his deputy, Mr. Niman Hajdari, met with civil society representatives where they discussed the state of human rights and the tense situation there.
The representatives of the civil society organizations working in the northern municipalities informed the Ombudsperson about their concerns related to the safety of the citizens after the situation created recently, stressing that the citizens are living with fear and anxiety. They said that the actions of the police often exceeded their legal authorizations and there are at least five cases reported by citizens who claim that they were subject to violence by the police. According to them, the presence of citizens who are armed remains worrying and this is tensing the situation even more.
They added that the issue of property expropriation by the Government still remains a concern, as the purpose of the expropriation has not been made clear and the legal procedures for expropriation have not been respected.
They also said that the language being used by some high officials of the state is the language of hatred and does not contribute to the escalation of the situation, but on the contrary it further polarizes the relations between the communities. They added that the publication of lists of names of persons considered incriminated by the government is unacceptable because the principle of presumption of innocence and the legal security of citizens are being violated.
The Ombudsperson, addressing the audience, emphasized that he has followed with concern the situation created in the northern municipalities and that it is necessary to establish communication between institutions and citizens in order to restore calm, the rule of law and order in these municipalities.
He added that in any situation, it is the duty and responsibility of the state security authorities and other bodies to guarantee safety and full respect for the human rights of every citizen in the Republic of Kosovo, in accordance with the rights guaranteed by the constitution and law.
All those present agreed that a meeting like this in the north has a special importance and contributes to genuine communication between citizens and the Ombudsperson, and that meetings of this nature will be held in the future.
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