AYDM van was break in – Public statement

We want to inform public that on 10th October 2012, from, at this moment unknown persons,  the van which is owned by Association of youth with disabilities of Montenegro (AYDM) was break in. This van is first and only accesible vehicle for wheelchair users in Podgorica.

Namely, on 10.10.2012 , from at this moment unknown persons,  the van which is owned by Association of youth wirh disabilities of Montenegro (AYDM) was break in. This van is first and only accesible vehicle for wheelchair users.

The van was parked in ’’Bratstva i jedinstva’’ street, near shopping centre  “Gintaš” in Podgorica. Two front glasses and brack light are broken, and two leather jackets are stollen while, surprisingly, CD player and GPS were untouched, although they were quite visible.

Police officers came on site visit, but they did not find fingerprints which could help to find perpetrators, at least not on objects which police take away during procedure.

We consider that site visit could been done in a more detailed and precised way, meaning that it was necessary to look for fingerprints on other objects in a van because perpetators broken into van and maked a mess by scattering all items, CD’s, papers, folders, spare bulbs etc.. From back seats they stoled leather jackets which could not been seen from outside since the glasses from back part of the van are tinted.Police officers who conducted activities on site visit took only two folders.

After site visit, driver had to clean up the van because we have to go to work with this van, since it is the only accesible vehicle for transport of persons with disabilities in Podgorica. (Attached you will find photos of the van from this morning).

We have reason to bealive that this is not just and accidental event and that it is planned.

We are wondering is this part of the price which should be paid to realize and respect human rights of persons with disabilities or it is ia sign and indicator of our true equality. Otherwise, why would the only accessible vehicle, which is marked with sign and caption UMHCG ( AYDM) from the side and with accesibility sign for wheelchair users could be spared from vandalism?

However,  we do not ask or expect compassion of any kind  – but we demand that in this concrete situation police confirm its efficiency, profesionalism and non-discriminatory acting of police officers which are engaged in this case.

Therefore, we demand from competent institutions to resolve this case to the end, examining all circumstances and elements, taking into account that this incident happened during the day and in same time where many groups and individuals were in Podgorica in aim of promoting and protection of primarily their own political interests.

We strongly support work of the Police and we do not want to base our claims on ours or police assumptions but only on results of official measures and actions. Therefore, we are addressing to general public for getting support for detailed investigation of this case and sanctioning simular cases in the future period.

In order to monitor efficiency and legality of police acting in this case, we have send appropriate initiative to Council for civil control of police work.

With kind regards,

Association of Youth with Disabilites of Montenegro