Ombudsman launched investigation into allegations of abuse of those arrested at Gazimestan

The Ombudsperson Institution announced that Ombudsman Naim Qelaj has launched an ex officio investigation into allegations that people arrested during the Vidovdan commemoration at Gazimestan on June 28 were abused by members of the Kosovo Police, based on complaints received from several citizens, information submitted by various non-governmental organizations, and allegations published in the media.

According to the statement, the Ombudsperson Institution initiated the investigation following allegations and complaints from several citizens arrested by the Kosovo Police, who claim they were subjected to physical and psychological abuse while being transported to the police station, and that other rights guaranteed by the Constitution and applicable laws were also violated.

It adds that the investigation was launched with the aim of establishing the facts and circumstances of the case, as well as assessing whether the treatment of the arrested individuals was in line with constitutional, legal, and international standards for the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

"The Ombudsperson Institution reiterates that every person deprived of liberty must be treated with dignity and in accordance with the principle of the absolute prohibition of physical abuse, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Every allegation of excessive use of force or violations of the rights of persons deprived of liberty requires an independent, impartial, effective, and prompt investigation," the statement said.

The Ombudsperson Institution emphasized that, as part of the investigation, all necessary measures will be taken, including the collection of relevant information and documentation from the competent authorities, in accordance with the institution's constitutional and legal mandate.

Once the investigation is completed, the Ombudsperson Institution will, in accordance with its legal mandate, inform the public and interested parties of its findings and recommendations, the statement added.

A group of five civil society organizations had previously filed an official complaint with the Ombudsperson over what they described as systemic unlawful and irregular conduct by the Kosovo Police.

Deputy Ombudsman Srdjan Sentic told Kosovo Online that the preliminary investigation indicated there were grounds to formally open the case and conduct a comprehensive investigation.

Serbian Protector of Citizens Zoran Pasalic also reacted to the detention of Serbs following the Vidovdan commemoration, requesting that Kosovo Ombudsman Naim Qelaj urgently examine all the circumstances of the case. He also informed EU institutions, the embassies of the Quint countries, and the OSCE Mission in Pristina.