H.E. Lamberto Zannier
Special
Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK
UNMIK
Headquarters - Kosovo
1000
Dear Sir
Mon Balaj, aged 26, and Arben Xheladini, aged 34, were killed by unidentified police officers
on 10 February 2007 during a Kosovo Albanian pro-independence demonstration in
Kosovo’s capital, Pristina. The officers were members
of a Romanian special police unit serving with the UN Mission in Kosovo
(UNMIK).
The police used
tear gas and fired rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators. Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini died from head wounds caused by rubber bullets.
Eighty-seven others were injured. Although UNMIK held an internal
investigation, which found “unknown” Romanian police officers responsible, no
one has been brought to justice.
In March 2008,
the parents of Mon Balaj and Arben
Xheladini filed a complaint against UNMIK with the
Human Rights Advisory Panel (HRAP). HRAP was introduced by UNMIK to provide
remedies to individuals whose rights were violated by UNMIK personnel. HRAP is
not empowered to conduct a criminal investigation, but may recommend that such
an investigation be initiated.
UNMIK has
repeatedly attempted to obstruct HRAP’s consideration
of this case, including by refusing to attend its public hearings.
Additionally, although UNMIK offered compensation to the victims and the
families, its acceptance was initially conditional on their agreement not to
continue their case.
I ask you to
ensure that the families of Mon Balaj and Arben Xheladini receive adequate
reparation, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction
and guarantees of non-repetition.
Furthermore, I urge
you to co-operate with HRAP’s consideration of the
case, including in a public hearing.
Sincerely,
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