Pristina, December 23, 2022 – The Ombudsperson, Mr. Naim Qelaj, together with his deputies, Mrs. Marija Radulovic and Mr. Niman Hajdari, today held a video meeting with Mr. Dejan Pantic, aftër Ombdsperson was unable to visit him at the detention center where he is being held, due to the barricades.

Mr. Pantič was arrested by the Kosovo Police at the border point in Jarinje, where he is being held in custody by the court decision, unable to be transferred to any detention center due to the situation.

During the interview, Mr. Pantič, said there are no complaints regarding the treatment by the Kosovo Police. He has a defense lawyer and held an online meeting with him, while on December 22, 2022, they talked over the phone. The family has been notified of the fact that he was arrested and sentenced to detention. So far, he has not met with them, since meetings and phone calls are subject to permission from the competent court. Regarding his health condition, he said that he suffers from blood tension, but is receiving adequate therapy. He is also using the medications that his family sent him. He emphasized that he was also provided with a bed to sleep on and that he was handed the court decision for setting the measure of detention.

He has asked to be allowed a visit by the defense lawyer and the family, and that he be accommodated in the Detention Center in Mitrovica and not in any other center.

The Ombudsperson thanks the Kosovo Police for enabling this contact despite the exceptional conditions in which they are working. The Ombudsperson asks all the competent bodies to do their best that Mr. Pantic is treated in accordance with the legislation and international standards.