Publication highlights
Report on the visit to Kosovo6 in June 2010 and response
of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)
(treatment of persons in police custody, prison conditions, situation of persons
held in psychiatric/social welfare establishments)
81. The CPT’s delegation received numerous allegations of physical ill-treatment by officers of the Kosovo6 Police. In addition to excessive use of force at the
time of apprehension, the ill-treatment alleged included slaps, punches, kicks and
beating on the soles of the feet by police officers attempting to obtain confessions during questioning. In a number of cases, medical evidence was gathered
which was fully consistent with the allegations made. Overall, it appeared that
the situation as regards the treatment of persons detained by the Kosovo6 Police
was no better and possibly worse than that observed during the Committee’s
2007 visit.
In a detailed response transmitted by UNMIK, information is provided on steps
taken in the light of the CPT’s recommendations. For instance, all members
of the Kosovo6 Police were instructed to undergo a two-day training course
on human rights and standard operating procedures were reviewed. Further,
EULEX7 monitors conduct random checks on arrested persons and are required
to report any instances of ill-treatment.
82. As in 2007, the delegation received many allegations of physical ill-treatment and/or excessive use of force – slaps, kicks, punches, abusive resort to
truncheons, etc. – by members of the special intervention group at Dubrava
Prison (which remains the largest prison in Kosovo6). In addition, a number of
accounts of physical ill-treatment by the establishment’s custodial staff were
received, and some allegations of inter-prisoner violence were heard. Further,
the report notes that corruption and favouritism appeared to be endemic at
Dubrava Prison.
In response to the CPT’s recommendations on these matters, it is pointed
out that two prison officers who had displayed inappropriate behaviour were
removed from the intervention group at Dubrava Prison and that in future the
activities of the group will be closely monitored by EULEX staff. Information
is also provided on steps being taken to develop a strategy to combat inter-
prisoner violence. It is accepted that corruption does exist at Dubrava Prison,
but not to the extent indicated in the CPT’s report; staff members found to
have been involved in corruption have been dismissed, and some have faced
criminal prosecution.
6. All reference to Kosovo, whether to the territory, institutions or population, in this text shall be
understood in full compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and without
prejudice to the status of Kosovo.
7. European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo.
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