YIHR KS Condemns Shooting Incident on Bistrica Bridge and Calls for Justice and Accountability

YIHR KS strongly condemns the incident that occurred in the early hours of April 10, 2023, in Bistrica Bridge, where a K-Serb was injured by gunfire involving a Kosovo police officer. This is a clear violation of the right to life and security, and we call on all relevant institutions to do their job and ensure that justice is served in this case.

It is deeply concerning that the Kosovo Police initially denied any involvement in the exchange of gunfire without conducting a proper investigation. This kind of behaviour undermines public trust and confidence in law enforcement institutions. It is essential that the Kosovo Police take immediate steps to address this issue, to ensure that any future incidents are handled transparently and with due process. It is imperative that they act swiftly and decisively to restore public trust in the police force and ensure that such incidents are properly investigated and dealt with.

After the conducting of investigations by relevant police units at both regional and central levels, the Kosovo Police have obtained evidence which suggests the possible involvement of a police officer in the shooting incident using a firearm.

It is essential that the Kosovo Police and other relevant institutions continue to keep the public informed about the ongoing investigations and findings, in a transparent and impartial manner, in accordance with the law. We urge the Kosovo Police Inspectorate and the relevant prosecution authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure that justice is served, and that those responsible for this crime are held accountable.

We call on the Kosovo Police to work closely with the Police Inspectorate and the State Prosecution in order to continue to hold police officers accountable when they do not meet the highest ethical and professional standards. This includes ensuring that internal mechanisms for accountability and oversight are strengthened and that officers who violate the law and the public trust are promptly held accountable.

We stand in solidarity with the victim of this incident and their family, and we urge all relevant institutions to take swift and effective action to ensure that justice is served, and that incidents like this do not occur again in the future.