Head of OSCE Mission condemns murder of Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North municipal assembly member

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 16 January 2014 – The head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean-Claude Schlumberger, condemned last night’s murder of Dimitrije Janićijević.

Janićijević ran as a candidate for the mayor of Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North in November 2013 local elections and  assumed the post of a municipal assembly member just five days ago.

“I am shocked by the news of Mr. Janićijević’s murder and I deplore this act,” said Schlumberger.

“Political figures in northern Kosovo have been subject to numerous attacks and assaults in the run up to the elections, but none had such a  grave consequence. It is absolutely unacceptable that in this day and age elected officials  are being targeted in this way.

“Mr. Janićijević was set to represent interests of his electorate, which is  something to be  respected in any democratic society.

Schlumberger expressed his deepest condolences to the Janićijević family and called on law enforcement agencies to do their utmost to investigate this shameful crime and prosecute perpetrators.

The OSCE facilitated local elections in four northern Kosovo municipalities in line with the Brussels Agreement between Belgrade and Prishtinë/Priština.