EULEX: We visited the detained Serbs - M.M. and D.O. showed signs of injuries

Publishing images of persons deprived of their liberty was a violation of their rights, moreover, they saw no justification for placing objects such as hoods over the heads of persons deprived of their liberty, EULEX stated for Kosovo Online regarding the video that appeared on social networks from the interrogation of the Serb Nenad Orlovic a few days ago, where the Kosovo Special Forces kept him handcuffed with a hood over his head.

According to EULEX, in accordance with its mandate, the mission is monitoring detention hearings, including Saturday's hearing on the detention of N.O.

"After the hearing and in accordance with established practice, the Mission's observer also spoke with N.O.'s lawyer regarding his treatment by the Kosovo authorities. In addition to the detention hearing, the EULEX expert visited N.O. today. The Mission is also in contact with the Kosovo Police Inspectorate regarding this case. We will continue to closely monitor and report on this case, as part of our robust monitoring of selected cases covering the entire criminal justice chain, including 109 cases involving the Kosovo Serbs, or which may affect community relations. This is in line with the overall EULEX mission to support the selected institutions of the rule of law in Kosovo on their way to increasing efficiency, sustainability, multi-ethnicity, and responsibility, without political interference and in accordance with international human rights standards and best European practice," the written response of EULEX to our portal states.

When asked how he commented on the report of the liaison officer Dejan Pavicevic on the physical injuries inflicted on the arrested Serbs by the Kosovo Police, EULEX replied that "everyone who is suspected of having committed a criminal offense has the right to be considered innocent, to a fair trial and not be subjected to any form of abuse".

"Kosovo has a solid legal and institutional framework that ensures the respect, protection, and fulfillment of human rights, and we expect the authorities to adhere to it. Regarding the specific cases you mention, we confirm that we are closely monitoring all of them, in accordance with our mandate that provides for strong monitoring of selected cases covering the entire chain of criminal justice. In line with this strong oversight mandate, EULEX staff also spoke with detainees' lawyers regarding their treatment by the Kosovo authorities. The lawyers informed EULEX of their concerns," the response pointed out and added.

"Given the regular and mobile presence of EULEX correctional experts in all penitentiary institutions in Kosovo, EULEX experts also visited the detainees M.M., D.O., and R.P. in order to monitor the conditions of their detention. None of them had complaints about the conditions of detention and the treatment of the prison staff. At the time of the meetings, detainees M.M. and D.O. showed signs of injuries. EULEX was informed that their injuries had been recorded by medical staff during admission, in accordance with relevant procedures, and that they had been prescribed medical treatment. In addition to these cases, the Mission also is closely monitoring 109 cases relating to the Kosovo Serbs, or the ones which may affect inter-communal relations through its Case Monitoring Unit. This monitoring includes individuals in custody as well as cases related to events related to the 2022 license plate crisis, ongoing procedures of expropriation of public and private land in the north of Kosovo, as well as cases related to the recent outbreak of violence in the north of Kosovo".

EULEX states that the results of EULEX's supervisory activities are included in regular reports, which are received by several EU officials.

"The Mission's reports include observations on the functioning of Kosovo's justice chain in terms of compliance with procedural, substantive, and human rights law. Moreover, our strong monitoring activities are also included in three public reports with findings and recommendations for the Kosovo authorities to address identified deficiencies and improve the judicial system, as well as three special reports. It should be noted that during its monitoring activities, EULEX fully respects the independence of the judiciary," the response reads.