Minster Tahiri: A second chance for life for children – suspects shall face justice

Tahiri said that from October 2018, he has been in charge of an inter-institutional Task Force committed to full coordination for the implementation of this operation.
Minister Tahiri emphasized that besides the engagement within the Global Coalition Against Terrorism in preventing Kosovo citizens join foreign conflicts, and in fighting terrorism, today’s action has been undertaken in order to fulfil the obligations that Kosovo has undertaken through the principles on which our constitutional order functions.
Minister Tahiri pointed out that all allegations of committing criminal offenses and crimes that could be attributed to persons who were involved in conflict areas, or in any capacity in terrorist organizations, shall be addressed in accordance with the applicable laws.
“Our message is clear: The Government of the Republic of Kosovo and the justice system institutions shall strongly continue to prevent and fight violent extremism and terrorism. Our Republic shall not allow its citizens to pose a threat to the security of our country, and the security of other Western countries”, said Minister Tahiri.
However, Minister Tahiri also talked about the other dimension concerning the returned citizens, most of whom are women and children who need rehabilitation.

“These women deserve rehabilitation and hope for a peaceful life, and the place of these children, instead of conflict zones, is school where they shall get proper education on their future. These citizens of ours, especially the children, have been through a period of severe traumatic experiences, but now we shall take care of them so that they overcome such bitter experiences”, added Minister Tahiri.

According to Minister Tahiri, the Republic of Kosovo and its Constitution do not deny anyone any fundamental rights, therefore he promised his engagement in rehabilitating and reintegrating these citizens, in order for them to become part of the society.

“The realization of this operation, for which we are very grateful to our partners and the security mechanisms in the country, sends a clear message that our state shall not abandon its citizens regardless of their experience. In addition, this sends a clear message that violent extremism, radicalism, and terrorism have nothing to do with us, neither with our tradition and the reality we are part of, nor with our state and social vision, and as such, shall be fought at every turn”, Minister Tahiri concluded.

During the press conference, together with the General Director of the Kosovo Police, Mr. Rashit Qalaj, and the Director of the National Institute of Public Health, Mr. Naser Ramadani, the media have been informed about the condition of the returned citizens, and about the measures taken by the country’s institutions to carefully manage their rehabilitation.