Shocking new revelations have surfaced regarding the treatment of four young men of Serbian ethnicity, arrested earlier this week in North Mitrovica. Kosovo’s Deputy Ombudsman, Srdjan Sentić, visited the detainees during their custody and expressed serious concerns about potential human rights violations, including allegations of police brutality.
„There are serious elements indicating human rights violations, including inhumane treatment by the police towards these young men,“ Sentić told KoSSev, adding that the case has been reported to the Police Inspectorate and other relevant authorities.
Sentić reported that some of the detainees exhibited visible injuries, particularly around the head, which were notably absent from their medical records. He called this a significant cause for concern.
„The fact that these injuries were not recorded in official medical reports raises further alarm,“ he said.
Additionally, the detainees alleged that during their arrest and subsequent transfer to detention facilities, they were subjected to physical and verbal abuse.
„The abuse reportedly only ceased once they were placed in detention units in South Mitrovica and Vučitrn,“ Sentić noted.
The Ombudsman’s concerns extend beyond physical violence, as Sentić also pointed out that the legal and medical documents presented to the detainees were written exclusively in Albanian, a clear violation of their rights.
„This not only further complicated their situation but also represents a continuation of the violation of their human rights and constitutional obligations,“ he emphasized.
Background on the Arrests
The four young men were arrested late Monday night, with police alleging they insulted and attacked two police officers on the Mitrovica promenade. However, conflicting reports emerged almost immediately.
Videos circulated on social media show the arrests taking place hundreds of meters away from the promenade, and some citizens claimed that the men were subjected to excessive force both before and during the arrests.
One of the defense attorneys, Miloš Delević, also stated that at least one of the detainees was physically mistreated by police officers.
The Kosovo Police have denied these allegations, asserting that they have the right to use force if a suspect resists arrest.
The detainees were initially held in custody for 48 hours in South Mitrovica, with a court hearing scheduled to determine whether they would be released on bail.
Protests broke out in front of the northern police station, with local citizens demanding the immediate release of the detainees.
By the evening, the court ordered their release, but under house arrest.
Protest Erupts in North Mitrovica Over Arrest of Four Serbian Youths
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