The representatives of the Human Rights Network are deeply concerned by the illegal arrest of Kosovo Serb politician Aleksandar Arsenijević and Ivan Orlović, who were detained solely for protesting the visit of Prime Minister Kurti and two of the ministers to North Mitrovica.
Mr. Arsenijević’s actions are guaranteed and protected by the Constitution of Kosovo, as he was exercising his rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, in accordance with applicable legislation in Kosovo.
According to the Constitution of Kosovo, every person has the right to organize gatherings, protests, and demonstrations. These rights may only be limited by law if it is necessary to safeguard public order, public health, national security, or to protect the rights of others. For the aforementioned protest, the legal restrictions do not apply; therefore, limiting the exercise of such a fundamental right is both unconstitutional and unlawful.
The HRN calls on the Kosovo Government and Kosovo Police to respect the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws, and to initiate disciplinary proceedings against all those involved in the illegal arrest of Mr. Arsenijević and Mr. Orlović.
Member organizations of the Human Rights Network (HRN):
Youth Initiative for Human Rights Kosovo – YIHR KS
Association of Paraplegics and Children with Paralysis in Kosovo – HANDIKOS
Center for Equality and Liberty – CEL Kosovo
Kosovo Law Institute – KLI
Kosovo Center for Gender Studies – KGSC
New Social Initiative – NSI
Voice of Roma, Ashkali, and Egyptians – VoRAE
