In a recent development, students at the University of Prishtina in Prishtina, Kosovo, have taken to the streets to protest the delay in reaching a verdict on sexual harassment allegations against Professor Xhevat Krasniqi. The Council of Ethics, responsible for handling the case, has been criticized for its lenient treatment of Krasniqi during his statement. The council, which consists of four male members in violation of Kosovo's law on Gender Equality, has faced calls for its composition to be revised [57536696].
The allegations against Professor Krasniqi were initially raised by 27 students from the Faculty of Medicine. Despite Krasniqi's dismissal by the Faculty of Medicine on March 4, 2024, the case was forwarded to the Council of Ethics for further investigation. Krasniqi has denied the allegations [57536696].
Protests and police interventions have occurred during the meetings of the Council of Ethics, as students and activists demand accountability and the dismissal of Professor Krasniqi. The council has requested the list of signatures from the protesting students and end-of-semester student evaluations from the Faculty of Education. Additionally, new allegations of sexual harassment by Krasniqi have emerged after a TV program aired, prompting the Basic Prosecution of Prishtina to initiate an investigation [57536696].
These protests and the ongoing investigation highlight the urgent need for educational institutions to address and take action against sexual harassment. It is crucial for universities to have robust mechanisms in place to handle allegations of misconduct, ensuring the safety and well-being of their students and faculty. The case at the University of Prishtina underscores the importance of a transparent and accountable process for addressing sexual harassment claims, as well as the need for gender equality in decision-making bodies such as the Council of Ethics [57536696].
In a separate development, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church has condemned the recent actions of the Pristina government, denouncing the "ban" imposed on Patriarch Porfirije from entering Kosovo. They decried the "complete lawlessness" exhibited by the Pristina government, which obstructed the freedom of movement of Patriarch Porfirije and Serbian bishops. The Synod emphasized that such actions perpetuate existential insecurity for the Serbian people and their Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija. They called upon responsible international actors to uphold universally recognized provisions of human rights and urged Orthodox and Christian communities worldwide to advocate for the protection of religious rights. The Synod reaffirmed the non-political nature of the Serbian Orthodox Church and condemned attempts by Pristina authorities to undermine the Church's authority and instill fear among Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. The Holy Council of Bishops appealed to international authorities in Kosovo and Metohija to intervene and halt the violation of human rights and basic freedoms of the Serbian people [f10fcc71].