Sentic launches investigation into reports of works near Visoki Decani Monastery

Deputy Ombudsperson of Kosovo Srdjan Sentic has launched an ex officio investigation following the statement issued by the Raska-Prizren Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church and media reports concerning construction works within the Special Protective Zone of Visoki Decani Monastery.

According to Sentic, the aim of the investigation is to determine whether the actions of the competent authorities are in compliance with the Constitution, applicable laws, and international standards for the protection of human rights and religious heritage.

"It is particularly concerning that the reported works are allegedly being carried out within a legally protected zone, without following the procedures prescribed by the Law on Special Protective Zones and without consultations with the Serbian Orthodox Church. According to the Diocese, the works are taking place along a route associated with the Decani–Plav road project, within the monastery's protected zone itself. All of these allegations will be the subject of an independent investigation by the Ombudsperson Institution," Sentic said in a written statement to Kosovo Online.

He added that he is in contact with the abbot of the monastery and the Diocese, from whom he expects to receive a formal complaint accompanied by additional documentation so that the allegations can be fully examined.

Earlier today, the Raska-Prizren Diocese announced that road works had once again commenced within the legally designated Special Protective Zone of Visoki Decani Monastery, approximately two kilometres west of the monastery, along an existing route linked to the long-disputed Decani–Plav international transit road project.

According to the Diocese, the consent of the Serbian Orthodox Church, as required under the Law on Special Protective Zones, was not requested before the works began.