The truth is no enemy to democracy, but is step forward to Just Society.
Citizens have the right to demand responsibility from their governments regarding public domain issues. The international community and public are vigilant to any occurrence of official power abuse or crimes against humanity.
In the past two decades Kosovo has been in the spotlight of international politics and diplomacy due to its struggle to gain independence. It was successful ending in terms of their newly established freedom. Nevertheless always bear in mind that in democracy and states ruled by law there is no exemption of accountability and none is above the Law.
After Kosovo war and NATO bombing in 1999, not authorized by the UN Security Council, Kosovo declared independence in 2008. United States were active participants in all negotiation processes concerning Kosovo status and were the one of the very first states to recognize Kosovo independence. The latest revelations in the draft Report related to Inhuman treatment of people and illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo, prepared by rapporteur Mr. Dick Marty, are serious threat to the rule of law.
There were arguments made by states that they will continue to cooperate with the Kosovo Government, which is indeed correct, but having in mind that CoE has long standing reputation based on the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, those allegations should be followed by inquiry. CoE cannot be ignored due to its core objective of preserving and promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The CoE draft Report states that Group of prominent KLA personalities was Drenica Group revealing that
58. We found that the “Drenica Group” had as its chief – or, to use the terminology of organised crime networks, its “boss” – the renowned political operator and perhaps most internationally recognized personality of the KLA, Hashim Thaqi.
61. On the other hand, according to well-substantiated intelligence reports that we have examined thoroughly and corroborated through interviews in the course of our inquiry, Thaqi’s “Drenica Group” built a formidable power base in the organised criminal enterprises that were flourishing in Kosovo and Albania at the time.
66. Notably, in confidential reports spanning more than a decade, agencies dedicated to combating drug smuggling in at least five countries have named Hashim Thaqi and other members of his “Drenica Group” as having exerted violent control over the trade in heroin and other narcotics.
Kosovo is recognized at least by 72 UN countries and 22 EU member states and all respective Governments should make serious and urgent considerations of the allegations for trafficking human organs. But first Kosovo should start independent inquiry committed to investigate all allegations linked to trafficking human organs. Any democratic state will demand answers for the allegations regarding serious crimes and will ask for investigation. It is fair enough to be innocent until proven guilty, but how to prove innocence or guilt without inquiry? Even the Prime Minister has no impunity against allegations of crimes during war.
It is a fundamental right of Kosovo’s citizens to know the truth.
Will the World react and face the truth?
Absit reverentia vero!