Based on the mandate and powers entrusted, the Ombudsperson can initiate investigations, not only to respond on the submitted complaints, but on its own initiative (Ex Officio), if from the findings, proves or facts presented or according to the evidence gained otherwise, there is a grounded suspicion that violation of human rights and freedoms stipulated by the Constitution, Laws or international instruments on human rights have been conducted by authorities.

Allegations disclosed by journalists through press, mass-media or online portals relating to violation of human rights, opposite to constitutional and legal guarantees or international agreements and instruments which are directly applicable in our country, are treated with due diligence and are extraordinary important resource of information for the Ombudsperson.

Based on information obtained from media, since this January, the Ombudsperson has initiated more than 20 Ex Officio cases, a part of which have been finalized up to now and the Reports issued have been delivered to respective authorities, while in one or another way, other cases were solved in compliance with complainants’ requests. A part of other cases are on the process of investigation and handling.

Initiation of cases which arise issues of human rights and freedoms, based on media reports and stories, as a primary source of information reiterates once again the importance that the media has on awareness raising of institutions and the civil society on sensitive issues and those on the best interest, dignity and welfare of its citizens. Natural partnership between national institutions on human rights, such is the Ombudsperson Institution and the media, as public interest’s spokesperson has been pointed out on this occasion.