The Kosovo Police Union has responded to the latest developments during protests in Prishtina, expressing support for police officers deployed to maintain public order and security.
In a statement following a meeting of its Governing Council, the Union emphasized that the right to protest, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental rights that must be respected and guaranteed.
However, it said that these rights must not turn into violence against police officers, institutions or other citizens.
“The Kosovo Police Union strongly condemns every act of violence, the throwing of pyrotechnic devices and hard objects, as well as any attack against police officers carrying out their official duties. Kosovo’s police officers are not a party to any political debate. They are uniformed professionals whose duty under these circumstances is to enforce the law and guarantee everyone’s safety,” the statement said.
The Union expressed its support for police officers deployed on the ground, saying they are carrying out their duties even in tense situations, Telegrafi reports.
“We express our full support for all police officers deployed on the ground, who, even in tense situations, are carrying out their duties to protect the constitutional order, institutions, citizens and the protesters themselves,” the statement continued.
The Kosovo Police Union called for political differences and individual positions not to turn into confrontations with police officers whose duty is to maintain public order and security.
“Police officers are your sons and daughters, your brothers and sisters. Many of them have been your fellow fighters, and today they continue to serve the country and the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo,” the Union stressed.
According to the Union, every police officer injured while carrying out their duties is a member of a family waiting for them to return home safely at the end of their shift.
In conclusion, the Union said it would continue to stand by police officers and protect their professional rights and dignity.
“Every action against them,” according to the Union, “must be assessed on the basis of the law and not on political grounds.”
