Dear all, In front of you is the ninth Annual Report of the Ombudsman - National Preventive Mechanism, which confirms the continuous efforts for a comprehensive combat against torture and zero tolerance, in case of its existence. The report contains an overview of the situation in the places of deprivation of liberty and restriction of freedom of movement and analysis of the undertaken activities aimed at prevention of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in these places. The established conditions and the recommendations addressed to the competent authorities so as to overcome the identified shortcomings are the result of a total of 22 preventive visits, which the team of the National Preventive Mechanism conducted in the course of 2019. The established practice of engagement of experts from different profiles and institutions during these visits, contributed to providing a multidisciplinary approach to the work of the National Preventive Mechanism and further strengthening of its capacities. OMBUDSMAN Ixhet Memeti