96 II – 4 Law on the Protector of Citizens (Ombudsman) LAW ON THE PROTECTOR OF CITIZENS INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS Article 1 The Protector of Citizens is hereby established, as an independent body that shall protect the rights of citizens and control the work of government agencies, the body authorized for legal protection of property rights and interests of the Republic of Serbia and other bodies and organisations, enterprises and institutions which have been delegated public authority (hereinafter: administrative authorities). The Protector of Citizens shall also ensure that human freedoms and rights are protected and promoted. In the context of this law, the term ‘citizen’ covers not only local nationals but also any physical person who is a foreign national, as well as any local or foreign legal person whose rights and responsibilities are determined by the administrative authorities specified under paragraph 1 of this Article. Article 2 The Protector of Citizens is independent and autonomous in performance of his/her duties established under this Law and no one has the right to influence the work and actions of the Protector of Citizens. In performance of duties within his/her competence the Protector of citizens shall act in accordance with the Constitution, law and other regulations and general acts, as well as the ratified international treaties and generally accepted rules of international law. Article 3 The seat of the Protector of Citizens shall be in Belgrade. The Protector of Citizens may issue a decision to establish an office outside its seat. The general act determining the organisation of the Protector of Citizens shall also govern the organisation of offices outside its seat. II APPOINTMENT AND END OF OFFICE Article 4 The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia (hereinafter: the Assembly) shall appoint the Protector of Citizens following the proposal of the National Assembly Committee for Constitutional Issues (hereinafter: the Committee). Each parliamentary group in the National Assembly has the right to propose to the Committee its candidate for the Protector of Citizens. Several parliamentary groups may propose a joint candidate for the Protector of Citizens. The proposal of the Committee has to be supported by a majority vote of all the members of the Committee. Before the proposals for the Protector of citizens are finalized, the Committee can decide to hold a session where all candidates will be able to express their views on the role and manner of fulfilment of the Protector of Citizens’ function. The Protector of Citizens is appointed for a period of five years and the same person may be elected at most twice in succession. The procedure for the appointment of the Protector of Citizens shall start at least six months before the end of office of the outgoing Protector of Citizens.