KDI: Protest is a democratic right, but MPs must not be physically obstructed

The Kosovo Democratic Institute (KDI) has reacted regarding the protests and the demands for approving the amendments to the Law on Specialist Chambers, stressing that protests are part of democracy, but must not turn into physical pressure on MPs.

KDI said that articulating demands through protests is “the foundation of democracy”, but opposed the physical obstruction of MPs entering or leaving the Assembly, threats or the use of violence against them.

According to KDI, the demand that MPs vote for a law can be expressed strongly in the square, but the MPs’ vote must remain free.

“No protester or organisation can decide through physical blockage who enters, who leaves or how an MP should vote,” KDI declared.

The Institute stressed that MPs have the right to vote, not to vote and to bear political responsibility for their decisions.

“Protest must remain protest, while political pressure cannot turn into physical pressure,” the reaction says.

KDI called on the leaders of the political entities to come out before the protesters, communicate directly with them and take responsibility for their positions. It also asked the protest organisers to call on citizens to continue the protest without violence and without physically obstructing the MPs, as Telegrafi reports.