Sentic: Treatment of local authorities towards media and citizens is a serious violation of basic human rights principles

Following the exclusion of media from the session of the Municipal Assembly of North Mitrovica, where the possibility of opening the bridge on the Ibar River was to be discussed, Deputy Ombudsman in Kosovo, Srđan Sentic, expressed deep concern.

In an interview with Kosovo Online, Sentic stated that this treatment of media representatives and citizens by local authorities constitutes a serious violation of basic human rights principles, the rule of law, and democratic values.

Sentic emphasized that the interests of citizens must be at the heart of all discussions and decisions. He highlighted that both the media and citizens have the right to complete information on all issues of vital importance to them and the community they represent.

"This treatment of local authorities towards media representatives and citizens constitutes a serious violation of basic human rights principles, the rule of law, and democratic values," Sentic stated.

He reminded that transparency and freedom of the press are the foundations of a democratic society.

"Their endangerment undermines European values, citizens' trust in institutions, and the very foundations of the democratic order," Sentic concluded.

During the session of the Municipal Assembly of North Mitrovica, where the opening of the Ibar bridge was to be discussed, councilors decided to expel all journalists and close the session to the public. Security personnel requested that the media immediately leave the building, despite having been invited the previous day to cover the session.