Pasalic calls on Çelaj to investigate circumstances of Serbs' detention at Gazimestan, appeals to international partners

The Protector of Citizens of Serbia, Zoran Pasalic, today sent a formal letter to the Kosovo Ombudsperson, Naim Çelaj, requesting that he urgently investigate all the circumstances surrounding the detention of a large number of Serbian nationals following yesterday's Vidovdan commemoration at Gazimestan and monitor the lawfulness of the actions taken by the competent authorities. Pasalic also addressed the EU institutions in Brussels, the embassies of the Quint countries, and the OSCE Mission in Pristina, stressing the need for the competent authorities to act in accordance with the highest international human rights standards while ensuring full protection of the procedural rights of all detained persons.

Pasalic requested that Çelaj determine whether international human rights standards were respected during the deprivation of liberty, detention, and initiation of misdemeanor proceedings, including the right to liberty and security, the right to be informed of the reasons for deprivation of liberty, the right of access to legal counsel, the right to a fair trial, as well as the prohibition of discrimination on any grounds, according to a statement issued by the Protector of Citizens.

He further requested a specific examination of whether, in the case of the minor involved, the safeguards prescribed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child were observed, including the principle of the best interests of the child, the right to legal assistance, the presence of a parent or legal guardian, and the use of deprivation of liberty solely as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period of time.

Pasalic also requested information on the measures the competent authorities have taken or plan to take to ensure the full implementation of international human rights standards and the protection of the procedural rights of all detained persons.

The statement emphasizes that it is of utmost importance for every proceeding related to this incident to be conducted lawfully, impartially, and without discrimination, with full respect for the dignity, procedural guarantees, and fundamental human rights of all participants.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Ombudsperson in Kosovo, Srdjan Sentic, has initiated an ex officio investigation into the arrests at Gazimestan, stating that information has been requested from the competent institutions in order to establish all relevant facts and circumstances.