Ombudsman launches investigation into government's alleged fund

The ombudsman has launched investigations into human rights abuse or eventual violations by the Office for Community Affairs, which operates within the framework of the Kosovo Prime Minister's Office.

The ombudsman was put in motion, based on the complaint of eight non-governmental organisations from the Serbian community. According to the announcement Tuesday, the ombudsman has announced one of these organisations, which was presuming the demand for launching investigations.

Eight civil society organisations from the Serb community had complained about the decision to separate means for nongovernmental organisations and media from the Government of Kosovo.

“Based on Article 21.1, the Ombudsman reviewed your complaint, submitted in 08.08.2023, regarding claims of violating basic human rights and freedoms or abuse by public authorities and in line with Article 21.1.2. The Law for the ombudsman, decided to accept your complaint and start investigating possible human rights violations”, it is said among other things in the ombudsman's announcement.

Allegations of abuse in the allocation of funds from the Kosovo Prime Minister's Office for the support of communities had raised former prime minister's adviser, Elizabeth Growing, in August.

Prime Minister Kurti's Community Adviser had said she did not comply with an appreciative Commission decision by the Office for Committees' Affairs on Portion, which were dedicated to NGOs and media in support of communities.

Gowing had assessed “inconsistent” the commission's decision on sharing the fund that weighed around 500,000 euros. He has said that, as a result, he will not continue working at the prime minister's office.

Paparaci has reported that an NGO dealing with organising football tournaments had benefited from the Kosovo Government for support of communities.

This non-governmental organisation is headed by Vedat Mucholli, an official of the Podujevo municipality.

Non-government organisation The Master's Association, led by Mucholi, has directly benefited from a 500 thousand-euro Kosovo Government fund for NGOs and media for community support.

The call for financial support of NGOs and media has opened this year's Office for Community Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office on 31 May. The preliminary results of beneficiaries have been announced on July 10th. /Paparace/