The Institution of the Ombudsperson of Kosovo has announced that it has authorized an investigation into allegations that individuals arrested during the Vidovdan commemoration on June 28 were mistreated by Kosovo Police officers.
According to a statement issued by the institution, the findings of the investigation will be made public, and the relevant parties will be informed of its recommendations.
“The Institution of the Ombudsperson has opened an investigation into publicly reported allegations and complaints submitted by several citizens arrested by the Kosovo Police, claiming they were subjected to physical and psychological violence during their transport to a police station, and that other rights guaranteed by the Constitution and applicable laws were also violated,” the statement said.
“The investigation has been initiated to verify the facts and circumstances of the case, and to assess whether constitutional, legal, and international standards for the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms were respected during the treatment of the arrested individuals.
The Institution of the Ombudsperson reiterates that every person deprived of their liberty must be treated with dignity and in accordance with the absolute prohibition of physical abuse, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Any allegation of excessive use of force or violations of the rights of detained persons requires an independent, impartial, effective, and prompt investigation,” the statement added.
“As part of the investigation, the Institution of the Ombudsperson will undertake all necessary actions, including collecting relevant information and documentation from the competent authorities, in accordance with its constitutional and legal mandate.
Upon completion of the investigation, the Institution of the Ombudsperson will inform the public and the interested parties of its findings and recommendations, in line with its legal competencies,” the statement concluded.
