Due to detention of Serbs at Gazimestane, Serbia's Ombudsman writes to Kosovo diplomats

Serbia's Ombudsman, Zoran Pašalić, has formally appealed to Kosovo's Ombudsman, Naim Kelaj, to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the detention of 36 ethnic Serbs following commemorations at Gazimestane on Vidovdan. Pašalić's office stated that the request aims to ensure the legality of actions taken by Kosovo authorities, as public information indicates that the detained individuals, including one minor, were apprehended and subjected to misdemeanor proceedings.

In his correspondence, Pašalić specifically asked Kelaj to verify whether international human rights standards were adhered to during the arrests, detentions, and the initiation of legal actions. This includes ensuring respect for the right to liberty and security, the right to be informed of the reasons for detention, access to legal counsel, a fair trial, and protection against discrimination.

Particular attention was requested regarding the minor detained, urging an examination of compliance with guarantees outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This involves upholding the principle of the child's best interests, ensuring access to legal aid, the presence of parents or legal guardians, and that detention is used only as a last resort for the shortest possible duration.

Pašalić also sought information on measures being taken by Kosovo authorities to guarantee the full application of international human rights standards and the procedural rights of those detained. He emphasized the critical importance of conducting all proceedings related to this event lawfully, impartially, and without discrimination, while fully respecting the dignity and rights of all involved. Furthermore, Pašalić has informed EU institutions in Brussels, the embassies of Quint countries, and the OSCE Mission in Pristina about the need for adherence to the highest international human rights standards in the handling of this case.

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pravo na slobodu i bezbednost, na obaveštenost o razlozima lišenja slobode, pravo na pristup braniocu, na pravično suđenje, kao i zabranu diskriminacije po bilo kojem osnovu