The Human Rights Network (HRN) strongly condemns the recent online attacks and intimidation directed at the Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Kosovo (YIHR KS) and Xhevdet Doda High School following the organization of a public information session on the mandate of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC).
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) is an institution established by Law No. 05/L-053 on Specialist Chambers and Specialist Prosecutor’s Office adopted by the Assembly of Kosovo. As such, it is part of Kosovo’s legal and institutional framework, and learning about its mandate, structure, and procedures is a legitimate and necessary part of civic and legal education.
For many years, YIHR KS has organized educational activities and information sessions on human rights, transitional justice, and justice institutions, including courts, with the aim of promoting informed public debate and critical thinking. Informing students and citizens about the mandates and competences of the KSC should be seen as a public responsibility that institutions themselves are encouraged to support. We emphasize that citizens have the right to be informed about the justice institutions established by their own country.
HRN firmly condemns all forms of lynching, intimidation, disinformation, and attacks against individuals and organizations engaged in education, dialogue, and human rights work.
We call upon the Municipality of Prishtina to stop its attacks on YIHR KS which directly violate its freedom of expression and freedom of association. Such attacks are a threat to human rights and democracy in Kosovo.
We stand in solidarity with YIHR KS and Xhevdet Doda High School and reaffirm our support for open, informed, and respectful public discourse.
Human Rights Network members:
HANDIKOS
Center for Equality and Liberty (CEL Kosova)
Kosovo Law Institute (KLI)
Kosovo Center for Gender Studies (KCGS)
New Social Initiative (NSI)
