18 December 2012 – The Ombudsperson Institution expresses its concern regarding latest events related to physical attacks during the presentation of “Kosova 2.0” at “Pallati i Rinisë” in Prishtina and attack against the organization “Libertas”.
The Ombudsperson has been closely observing the events that occurred on the occasion of publication and promotion of the latest edition of magazine “Kosova 2.0”, as well as the violence exercised against organization “Libertas”.
Verbal and physical attacks, direct threats and threats expressed through electronic portals and social networks, demolition of the meeting room where the activity of the organization was foreseen to take place, and other similar actions, violated constitutional rights, such as the right to freedom of expression, the right to public assembly and association and the freedom of media. Regardless of the fact to whom belong the groups that carried out the attacks, their actions constitute intolerance, extreme and unacceptable action and violation of the democratic and legal order.
The Ombudsperson Institution calls on the competent authorities, justice and public order institutions to act in accordance with their responsibilities and to investigate the cases of attacks. The Ombudsperson praises the professional reaction of law enforcement agencies during the above-mentioned situation.
The Ombudsperson Institution reminds that awareness raising and prevention of such extreme actions are the duty of all institutions of the country, including the Ombudsperson Institution. Within the Ombudsperson Institution’s organizational structure functions also the unit for the LGBT issues.