Joint statement by Women’s Safe House and Human Rights Action
On 17th September 2008 at 1pm, Ms. Ljiljana Raicevic, Executive Director of NGO “Woman’s Safe House” paid a visit to Vladana Kljajic, whose mother Milena Kljajic submitted a criminal denunciation against officers of State Penitentiary – ZIKS Spuz, which have reputedly inflicted a severe injuries to her daughter. Ms. Ljiljana Raicevic itself noted that Ms. Vadana Kljajic has contusions on her body, has a difficulty speaking due to the injuries suffered, particularly complaining of kidney pain as well as a blood in her urine in the past few days.
Ms. Ljiljana Raicevic addressed a letter to Mr. Ivica Stankovic, the President of High Court, and to Ms. Dragica Vukovic, a competent investigative judge, stating a visable description of the injuries suffered by Vladana Kjajic, and asking for an urgent independent medical assessment of her medical situation as well as requiring an adequate medical treatment. A copy of the letter has also been forwarded to the director of State Penitentiary – ZIKS Spuz and the Supreme State Prosecutor.
Non-governmental organizations Women’s Safe House and Human Rights Action make an appeal for depicting urgent and adequate medical help to Ms Vladana Kljajic, as well as appeal to the competent State Prosecutor to process urgent investigation upon the criminal denunciation against two officers of State Penitentiary – ZIKS Spuz, submitted by mother of Ms. Vladana Kljajic on 13th September 2008.
We also highlight a responsibility of the State for protection of corporeal integrity of Ms. Vladana Kljajic, and all other persons being hold in custody or in prison, despite the fact that they have been convicted or not for a criminal offence, and whether they have committed any disciplinary infringement. Protection against torture, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment is a fundamental human right, from which all derogations, in either war or peaceful conditions, are prohibited. Non effective investigation against torture also means the breach of the law.
We will continue to watch for effective investigation in this case, and demand a criminal prosecution and severe punishment of those responsible for Ms. Kljajic’s medical situation.
