Sentic: Preliminary investigation into Gazimestan arrests shows there are grounds for opening a case

Following the initiation of ex officio proceedings regarding the arrests at Gazimestan during the Vidovdan commemoration, the preliminary investigation has found sufficient grounds to formally open a case and conduct a comprehensive investigation, Deputy Ombudsman of Kosovo Srdjan Sentic told Kosovo Online.

"To that end, the Ombudsperson Institution has sent official requests to the Kosovo Police and the Kosovo Police Inspectorate to obtain all relevant information and documentation necessary to establish the facts," Sentic said.

He added that the decision to launch a full investigation is based on multiple sources indicating possible human rights violations.

"The decision to launch a full investigation is based on numerous publicly available videos, media reports, as well as a large number of public statements by those who were arrested and individual complaints submitted to the Ombudsperson Institution. These allegations point to possible cases of psychological and physical abuse during deprivation of liberty and police detention," he said.

Sentic noted that, given the seriousness of the allegations and the possible violation of several fundamental human rights, multiple departments within the Ombudsperson Institution have been involved in the case.

"Given the nature of the allegations and the possible violation of several fundamental human rights, several departments of the Ombudsperson Institution have been involved in handling the case, including the Department for Protection against Discrimination and the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, in order to examine the case from all relevant aspects within the Institution's mandate," Sentic concluded.

One of those detained after the memorial service at Gazimestan, Damjan Otasevic from Montenegro, stated that he was subjected to physical and psychological abuse by Kosovo Police officers during his arrest and transport to the police station. According to Otasevic, a plainclothes inspector approached him after the memorial service, grabbed him by the arm, and forced him into a police vehicle, where his hands were restrained. On the way to the police station, he said, he was subjected to insults and psychological pressure, while a member of the Special Unit struck him several times.

The Basic Court in Pristina imposed a fine of 700 euros on the 36 people detained at Gazimestan during the Vidovdan commemoration. Those who do not possess Kosovo-issued documents have also been banned from entering Kosovo for three years.