FRY/Kosovo: Amnesty International protests the unlawful detention of Afrim Zeqiri

Amnesty International understands that the order to continue Afrim Zeqiri's detention has expired. Unless the SRSG can confirm that Afrim Zeqiri's detention is legal, and in accordance with international human rights standards applicable in Kosovo, he should be released.

Afrim Zeqiri was detained in May 2000 while under investigation for the murder of three Serbs and the injury of two others in the village of Cernica.

Amnesty International is aware of the gravity of the crimes under which Afrim Zeqiri was originally held, and the organisation is also aware of the problems faced by investigating magistrates and police in gathering evidence in Kosovo in the absence of a comprehensive witness protection programme. However, the authorities in Kosovo are obliged to ensure the human rights of all people in Kosovo, including those deprived of their liberty.

Amnesty International has also requested the SRSG to clarify the legal basis under which each of an estimated 70 people are reportedly being detained by KFOR at Camp Bondsteel and by UNMIK at the Mitrovica detention centre.