OSCE on the police operation at Gazimestan: Security measures must be proportionate and respect fundamental freedoms

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo monitored developments during the Vidovdan commemoration through its regular observation activities and engagement with partners and institutions, the mission told Kosovo Online. It added that it had reminded the relevant authorities of the need for security measures to be appropriate, proportionate, and fully consistent with human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the legal framework.

"This includes respecting the lawful use of flags and symbols relevant to the community," the OSCE said in its response.

The mission added that it had taken note of reports concerning the conduct of the Kosovo Police during and after the Vidovdan commemoration.

Public safety and order, it stressed, must always be maintained in accordance with the rule of law, due process guarantees, and international human rights standards.

"We are aware of reports alleging the mistreatment of detainees, as well as identity checks and extensive searches of media representatives. Law enforcement measures should be necessary, proportionate, and respectful of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including media freedom and legal safeguards. Allegations of misconduct or excessive use of authority should be addressed through the appropriate mechanisms, including the Kosovo Police Inspectorate and, where relevant, the Ombudsperson Institution," the OSCE said.

It added that it would continue to monitor developments and remain engaged with its institutional partners, in line with its mandate to promote human rights, democratic governance, and the rule of law in Kosovo.

Yesterday, on Vidovdan, after the memorial service at Gazimestan had concluded, the Kosovo Police closed the gates, formed a cordon, and began detaining people who had attended the gathering. Among those detained were a father and his daughter.

According to a police statement, 37 people were detained. The police said the individuals had provoked those gathered by shouting provocative slogans containing elements of incitement to hatred, thereby violating legal provisions.

Those detained were released after being questioned and misdemeanor proceedings have been initiated against them. Their court hearing has been scheduled for today at 1 p.m.

The Serbian Government's Office for Kosovo and Metohija announced yesterday that it would inform all international representatives about the detentions, describing them as a shameful and outrageous act of repression by Albin Kurti's regime.

The Serb List said the incident was an attempt to intimidate the Serbian community and evidence of repression by the authorities in Pristina, about which it had informed international representatives.

Dalibor Jevtic, Vice President of the Serb List, sent a letter to the White House Faith Office, drawing the urgent attention of US officials to what he described as escalating repression and the systematic violation of the human rights of the Serbian community in Kosovo.