The justice bodies in Kosovo have reacted quickly after the escalation of hate speech and open threats directed at the head of state. The Special Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kosovo officially announced this Monday the initiation of a criminal case related to the recent threats against President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu.
Investigations have started under the suspicion of committing the criminal offense “Violence against high representatives of the Republic of Kosovo”, provided for by Article 121, related to Article 119 of the Criminal Code. This legal qualification shows the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the case, as it directly affects the security of constitutional institutions.
The Prosecutor’s Office has immediately authorized the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Serious Crimes in the Kosovo Police to undertake all operational actions. The purpose of the investigation is to ensure legal order and protect the physical integrity of high state officials.
Reaction of the Presidency: “No to death sentences in public debate”
The initiation of the investigations comes after a strong reaction from the Office of the President, which condemned the calls made recently in the public debate about “shooting” of Mrs. Osmani. According to the Presidency, this lynching language is a remnant of an old mentality that has held public debate hostage through defamation and labelling.
“Kosovo is not and should never be a place where political activists declare themselves to the court and announce life sentences for figures elected by the citizens,” it is stated in the official statement of the Presidency. The country’s highest institution called for a clear distancing from rhetoric that incites violence and undermines democratic stability.
