On behalf of the Institute for Protection of Democratic Values (IPDV), an Institute dedicated to upholding democratic principles in Kosovo, the wider region and beyond, jointly with our esteemed local and international seniors, we express profound concern regarding recent developments that undermine human rights and freedom of speech.
As the IPDV monitors the implementation of the European Parliament Resolution of 28th February 2024 across the Balkan Region, our overarching aim, remains the promotion and protection of democratic principles.
As such IPDV through its activities is being engaged in promotion of Democratic Values, while we actively support and promote pro-Western policies and Democratic Principles in the Balkan Region and beyond.
Among other activities, IPDV organizes international meetings with esteemed international politicians, policy makers and esteemed Regional Members of Parliament, Journalists and International Human Rights activists, particularly serving the protection and promotion of Democratic Values.
During our meetings, we also give special attention to the European Union Legislation Framework, based on the yearly progress reports from the EU for the countries in the region. Jointly we emphasize the importance and the immanent need to prospered the compliance with EU legal framework and even compare the progress of states based on EU yearly reports, to foster the implementation of harmonization of laws with European Union.
Amidst these continuous efforts for protection and promotion of Democratic Values as wider concept including all the principles of Democracy the evolving situation in Kosovo has emerged as a focal point, necessitating a comprehensive response from our Institute.
We have observed a concerted effort by certain groups to suppress dissenting voices and inhibit the expression of differing opinions. While we advocate for media freedom and democracy, we strongly oppose any endeavors to silence individuals, especially given the sensitive nature of discussions concerning the Kosovo War and Anti Human Crimes committed in Kosovo during the War.
The absence of concrete evidence supporting allegations of organized campaigns to quash dissent, along with unsubstantiated accusations implicating government in such endeavors, is disconcerting.
Meaningful discourse between the government and thousands of users of social networks, necessitates the presentation of clear and verifiable evidence, including:
a) proof of organized groups;
b) governmental affiliations;
c) payroll records, list, information or anything;
d) witness testimonies, and or
e) any other proper evidence;
Unfortunately, those making accusations against individuals who have raised valid concerns about vague terminology regarding the anti-human crimes and Atrocities during the Kosovo War, have failed to meet these criteria. This lack of substantiation extends to both individuals and organizations making allegations, as well as all other entities.
Some of individuals with opposing views were called government trolls, others were labeled as government “bots”.
By definition:
A troll – troll factory is an institutionalized group of internet trolls that seeks to interfere in political opinions and decision-making or a person who intentionally antagonizes others online by posting inflammatory, irrelevant or disruptive content, including offensive language!
A bot – is a program on the internet application that can interact with system or users, a bot is programed to store data in the database.
We will also recall the concept of trolling:
“The concept of trolling, first studied by Judith Donath (1999) and further analyzed by Susan Herring and colleagues (2002), refers to actions by someone who baits and provokes others in online forums, “often with the result of drawing them into fruitless argument and diverting attention” away from the topics under discussion”.
In contrary to the concept of trolling, in this sensitive issue, many individuals with identities have reacted with opposing views, they did not attempt to draw the attention from the subject, rather they were all the time within the particular sensitive subject for the vague term used “some crimes” in reference to the Atrocities and Anti Human Crimes in Kosovo.
Further, thus for the internet users with the fake accounts, there is always a space to question the reactions yet even for them, there are some criteria’s to be filled in and analyzed prior to such overall conclusions, whilst on the other side, no one can name trolls and or bots, people with personal identity in the social media for the sake of creating environment for “silence” and for disregarding totally any opposing view.
For the comparing purposes we also recall the detailed report for Serbian government trolls, provided with proper data, including the witness in Serbia, including payroll, working hours, payment amount, number of workers, working shifts and more, which was confirmed after again with additional data, in the report of 2023. There are no such data, nor any evidence alike, in Kosova case. Against the provided report, even in Serbia not everyone can be named government troll nor bot, especially people with identities who support the government of Serbia, or who engage in any debate, without the constant distraction or deviation from the subject.
Therefore, we call upon all the parties, including those being engaged in Article writing and others sharing similar viewpoints, whilst reacting, to retract unfounded accusations, to refrain from the attempt to silent people, as it is being attacked the fundamental right- the freedom of speech. In the absence of credible or any evidence at all, responsible discourse that upholds democratic values and respects the dignity of all individuals is imperative. Or in contrary if there is any evidence to such claims, providing them, would be perceived differently in regard to the matter.
In addition, we highlight the case of an individual, who is among those many more that reacted, in respond to such claims. This person required meeting through a public letter (seek public request for meeting) a meeting with Viola Von Carmen and other officials, in any of proposed office, describing tragically loss of tens of family members, during the Kosovo war, in most brutal manners, as well as the irritation from vague terms used for Anti Human Crimes and Atrocities and further for the insult of being labeled government troll -bot. IPDV staff has confirmed the information and the accuracy for the loss of family members, mentioned by the individual in his public letter, further information can be obtained from IPDV.
This fact emphasis the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability, which was never served for thousands of Serbian Crimes and Atrocities in Kosovo during the War and we witnessed the World shock towards heinous atrocities unseen since the World War II.
Their reaction for recognition and acknowledgment of their suffering underscores the gravity of the issues at hand and the need for a comprehensive and different approach to addressing the legacy of unpunished atrocities and anti-human crimes that people suffered! Justice was never served.
Given such profound experiences, it is crucial for all stakeholders to proceed with utmost sensitivity and diligence, ensuring that the voices of survivors and victims’ families are heard and respected in any discourse on historical memory and on the path of reconciliation. We stand in solidarity with the all the individuals and families, who have endured untold hardships, reaffirming our commitment to advocating for their rights and seek justice for War Victims, preserving the integrity of democratic values in Kosovo and beyond.
Additionally, we acknowledge the profound emotional impact that discussions surrounding Anti Human Crimes and atrocities have on the people of Kosovo. It is essential to recognize that only those who have personally experienced such loss can truly comprehend the depth of suffering endured by survivors and victims’ families. Therefore, we urge all involved parties, to approach these matters with utmost sensitivity, empathy and caution acknowledging the ongoing sufferings and unresolved grievances stemming from unpunished crimes.
Moreover, we emphasize the importance of linguistic precision and historical accuracy when referring to atrocities and anti-human crimes in Kosovo. The use of vague language diminishes the gravity of the atrocities committed and undermines the validity of survivors’ experiences. Thus, we call upon all parties, not limited to relevant entities, officials, NGOs and all others, to refrain from using ambiguous terminology and instead adopt language that reflects the severity and magnitude of past atrocities and Anti Human Crimes!
By fostering inclusive and respectful discussions, that honors the memory of those who perished and affirms the resilience of survivors, we can collectively work towards acknowledging the full extent of past injustices and laying the groundwork for reconciliation and healing in Kosovo. It is the only way for establishing the grounds for real peace and reconciliation.
The Institute for Protection of Democratic Values (IPDV) remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding democratic principles and upholding freedom of speech for all individuals, organizations, and media outlets. However, it is crucial to recognize that in a democratic society, the exercise of one’s rights must never infringe upon the rights of others.
Furthermore, we urge individuals and platforms to exercise caution and responsibility in disseminating information, particularly to avoid spreading misinformation that may incite panic among the people of Kosovo. Upholding the integrity of information dissemination is paramount in preserving social cohesion and stability within the community.
We reaffirm the fundamental principle that the rights of every citizen, irrespective of their beliefs, ethnicity, race, or religion, must be respected and protected. Any act that undermines these rights constitutes a violation of human rights and runs counter to the principles of democracy that we strive to uphold.
By upholding these principles and fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding, we can nurture a democratic society that values inclusivity, tolerance, and the dignity of every individual.
Regarding the esteemed role as a representative of the European Union, we respectfully ask Viola von Cramon to refraining from insults publicly, due to the sensitivity of the political circumstances, position and role, in the engagement of Kosovo and Serbia politics.
It is imperative that those entrusted with European Union diplomatic responsibilities, uphold the principles of European Union and civility as well as formal, if not substantial respect for diverse opinions.
Additionally, we advocate to all citizens for the cultivation of a conducive environment for robust discourse on social media platforms, characterized by substantive debates, while refraining from insults and similar rhetoric, that leads to no proper debate or any other reasonable conclusion.
We advocate for the freedom of speech for all the voices, whether in favor of or in opposition to the governments in the Region, as fundamental principles of democracy.
We support democratic institutions and policies regardless of political parties.
Our formal reaction transcends any specific political faction or administration.
We are independent.
Our response is rooted in the protection of democratic principles, starting with the preservation of free speech.
Finally, we remind all the parties, that it is more than legitimate to react, when any official, organization or individual refers to Anti Human Crimes and Atrocities in Kosovo, in other terminology apart from how they truly were and when such cases occur, if not the state than- the people, organizations and different associations will react accordingly and no one can attempt in any form, to suppress that right!
We stand firm in our commitment to uphold the Democratic foundational values, essential for the sustenance of a robust and inclusive society in each country, above all the internal and external relevant actors, the attempt to violate any Democratic principle, cannot go unnoticed.