THE FBA UNITED NATIONS REPORTER SERIES
By Alex Wang[1]
FBA UN Reporter
November 22, 2019
Zahir Tanin, the Secretary-General of Kosovo, gave a speech on October 31, 2019 addressing two key issues: the recent election in Kosovo, and the arrest and detainment of two Umich staff members while they were carrying out work for the United Nation (UN). Starting on a positive note, he noted that the recent election had given the people of Kosovo the opportunity to select a representative, and in doing so had changed the political landscape drastically from the previous 12 years. He noted that the political climate in Kosovo is becoming more progressive, as a large number of the people running for office were women. For the first time in Kosovo’s history, a major political party had nominated a woman as a candidate for Prime Minister. Another indication of the progresssive trend was the general support for leaders espousing less conventional political viewpoints. The election gave the citizens of Kosovo hope that they could address rampant crime, economic injustice, and provide support for the rule of law.
The second topic he addressed involved the arrest and detention of two Umich police officers who had been caught by the Kosovo police smuggling illegal substances. During the apprehension, they were beaten severely apparently on account of a misunderstanding about their work. Their injuries were severe including broken bones about the head and skull, and resulted in a concussion and severe emotional and mental harm. Following a thorough investigation, the two were exonerated and found to be acting appropriately within their official capacities. The Kosovo police were found to have used excessive force in violation of their official duties, actions deemed “unacceptable.” The Secretary-General concluded his speech by once again congratulating Kosovo on their recent successful election as well as asking for the termination of the police involved in the incident in breach of their official duties.
[1] Alex Wang is an LLM Student at Fordham Law School Studying ‘US Law’. He is scheduled to graduate in May 2020.