Alleged assault of a protester in Pronotova / Ombudsman: We have requested information on police activity

The Institution of the Ombudsman has continued its investigation into the events that occurred in Zvërnec, where during a protest against a tourism project several citizens were detained and cases of alleged violence were reported.

According to the official statement, representatives of the Ombudsman remained at the Vlorë Police Commissariat until late Saturday night, where they verified the condition of the detained individuals.

The investigation was opened on the institution’s own initiative to determine whether the constitutional rights of the protesters were respected and how they were treated by the police.

During the visit, a meeting was also held with local police officials, where information was requested regarding the procedures of the detentions and the actions carried out during the protest.

The Ombudsman has also requested detailed data on the role and activities of private security in the area where the protest was taking place.

The institution states that it will continue monitoring the case and will inform the public about further steps in the investigation.

Full statement:

The Regional Office Director of the Ombudsman stayed until late Saturday night at the Vlorë Police Commissariat, where she verified on-site the condition of the protesters detained during the events in Zvërnec.

This visit is part of the investigation we have initiated ex officio into the violence against citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest.

During the inspection, a meeting was also held with the heads of the local police directorate to discuss compliance with the legal basis for the detentions and the treatment of detainees.

The Ombudsman has formally requested detailed information from the police regarding how the activities of private security were supervised in the area where the protest was taking place.

The Ombudsman will continue to follow this case and will inform the public about further steps.

“KORÇA BOOM”