Sentic: I initiated ex officio proceedings regarding the arrests at Gazimestan

Deputy Ombudsperson in Kosovo Srdjan Sentic told Kosovo Online that he has initiated ex officio proceedings concerning the arrest of several dozen people at Gazimestan yesterday and that requests for information have been sent to the competent institutions in order to establish all relevant facts and circumstances.

"I initiated ex officio proceedings. This morning, requests for information were sent to the competent institutions so that all relevant facts and circumstances of the case could be established. Once the responses are received, a decision will be made on further steps in accordance with the competences of the Ombudsperson Institution," Sentic told Kosovo Online.

He stated that, after receiving the requested information, the Ombudsperson Institution would consider its further course of action within the scope of its statutory powers.

A hearing is currently being held before the Basic Court in Pristina in the case of the Serbs who were arrested yesterday, on Vidovdan, following the memorial service at Gazimestan and against whom minor offense proceedings have been initiated.

They were released from custody yesterday after being questioned, but their identity documents were confiscated.

According to a statement issued by the Kosovo Police, the detainees provoked those gathered by chanting provocative slogans containing elements of incitement to hatred, thereby violating the relevant legal provisions.

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

The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) told Kosovo Online today that it had monitored, and continues to monitor, the activities carried out by the Kosovo authorities in connection with yesterday's Vidovdan commemoration.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo also told our portal that it had monitored developments during the Vidovdan observance through its regular monitoring activities and engagement with partners and institutions.

"We are aware of reports containing allegations of ill-treatment 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, fundamental freedoms, including media freedom, and the right to an effective remedy. Allegations of misconduct or excessive use of powers should be addressed through the appropriate mechanisms, including the Kosovo Police Inspectorate and, where relevant, the Ombudsperson Institution," the OSCE stated.