Albanian Forum: We condemn the detention of Ivanaj, authorities must urgently resolve the case

The Albanian Forum announced that it strongly condemns the arrest of Dodo Ivanaj, and that it expects the competent institutions to urgently and fully clarify this case.

The Albanian Forum said that, as confirmed to them, Ivanaj was not treated according to the police's official duty, but based on a report filed by a Montenegrin citizen.

That is precisely why, according to them, it is necessary to fully verify the merits and credibility of such a report.

Doda Ivanaj, a resident of Tunceli, was arrested last night on suspicion of committing the crime of harming the reputation of Montenegro.

According to information from "Vijesti", on May 21st, in the village of Koći, Ivanaj took the Montenegrin flag down from the flagpole and threw it at his feet.

"According to information provided by his family, Doda Ivanaj was not in Montenegro on May 21. This raises the question of how such proceedings were initiated and who will bear responsibility if the allegations in the report prove to be false. Of particular concern is the fact that Doda Ivanaj is a respected man and a member of our diaspora, who would undoubtedly respond to any call from the competent authorities to give a statement regarding the report. Therefore, it remains unclear why his detention was necessary," the Albanian Forum pointed out.

As they state, such events further undermine the trust that Albanians and their diaspora have in state institutions and confirm that double standards towards Albanians are not yet a thing of the past.

"This case is also a blow to European integration. The question arises as to why institutions do not react when calls are made at stadiums and other events to kill Albanians and insults are made on a national basis. Are insults against Albanians not valid or are they not considered serious enough to provoke a reaction from the authorities? Are the lives of Albanians less valuable than the lives of other citizens?" the statement reads.

The Albanian Forum adds that they are not seeking privileges for anyone.

"We only seek justice, equal treatment and the application of the law based on facts. We expect the competent authorities to urgently shed light on this case, and if this does not happen as soon as possible, a very strong and decisive response will follow. Our diaspora will not be stopped by such actions. We will continue to protect the dignity, rights and interests of our people, no matter where they live," the statement concludes.