Appendix III: Reply letter from the Uniformed Police Directorate to Human Rights Watch, dated September 16, 2008The Republic of Serbia 16 September 2008 Belgrade Human Rights Watch Dear Ms. Troszczynska Van Genderen, You have sent a letter to the Republic of Serbia Ministry of Internal Affairs requesting information concerning the events in the aftermath of the illegal proclamation of Kosovos independence when some commercial properties owned by Albanians and other minorities were damaged. We will use this opportunity to point out that the Police in the Republic of Serbia are performing its duties with the aim to provide everybody with equal security and protection of rights and freedoms, to apply the law and support the rule of law. In accordance with the above, the Police undertook necessary activities in order to protect all citizens and their property during public gatherings organized to express discontent with the unilateral and illegal proclamation of Kosovo independence. Police officers performed their duties and in most cases prevented potential threats to citizens property, however, despite the measures undertaken, certain properties were damaged, some of them belonging to the minority communities. In those cases where property was damaged the Police officers, in cooperation with prosecutors office, have undertaken steps and measures envisaged by the law in order to assess the situation, identify the perpetrators and file respective criminal reports. In relation to those cases, a certain number of persons were caught in the act while damaging the property of other citizens and were arrested on the spot, and more persons were identified afterwards and criminal reports were filed against them with the relevant prosecutors. Police officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are continuing to apply measures envisaged by the law in order to identify remaining persons that participated in the activities related to the damaging of properties during public gatherings organized to express discontent with the unilateral and illegal proclamation of Kosovos independence. Sincerely yours, [signed] Head of Administration |