The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg has for the first time registered a lawsuit against Serbia concerning the passivation of addresses of ethnic Albanians living in the Preševo Valley.
The case, submitted on behalf of Teuta Fazliu, alleges multiple human rights violations resulting from the systematic revocation of citizenship-related rights. According to her lawyer, Drini Grazhdani, the practice deprives residents of essential civil rights, including access to ID cards, passports, pensions, health insurance, and other social benefits, effectively pressuring Albanians to leave the region.
Grazhdani described the registration of the case as a major procedural milestone, noting that the Strasbourg Court rejects more than 90% of applications at the initial stage. He emphasized that the goal is to apply the Court’s pilot judgment procedure (Rule 61), ensuring that any ruling extends beyond Fazliu’s case to compel Serbia to halt the systematic passivation of addresses for all affected citizens.
In a post on Facebook, Grazhdani called on residents of the Preševo Valley to utilize available domestic legal procedures while the European Court process moves forward, stressing his commitment to achieving a full legal victory.
The case marks a significant step in holding Serbia accountable for policies affecting the rights of ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia, highlighting broader concerns over minority protections in the region.
