36 detained after Vidovdan ceremony in Kosovo released; misdemeanor hearing set

All 36 individuals detained during the Vidovdan commemorations at Gazimestane have been released, with a court hearing for a misdemeanor case scheduled for tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Lawyer Jovana Filipović confirmed the release, stating that the proceedings against the detainees are part of a misdemeanor, not a criminal, process. Due to the nature of misdemeanor proceedings, lawyers were not formally involved as representatives on the day of detention. "Since it is a misdemeanor procedure, we were not legitimized as lawyers today. We were more like technical support, bringing them their ID cards, as many did not have documents with them," Filipović told KoSSev.

Filipović noted that several detainees were from central Serbia, and some did not have personal identification documents with them. Family members and friends reportedly brought the necessary documentation to them during the evening. The lawyer could not comment on the conduct of the Kosovo Police towards the detainees during their custody, nor on unofficial reports suggesting force may have been used against some individuals.

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Since it is a misdemeanor procedure, we were not legitimized as lawyers today. We were more like technical support, bringing them their ID cards, as many did not have documents with them.

Earlier, the Kosovo Police reported detaining a total of 37 individuals after the Vidovdan commemoration at Gazimestane. The police claimed the detentions were due to "provocative calls with elements of inciting hatred." They stated that after being questioned, the individuals were processed before the court. KoSSev had previously learned from multiple sources that at least 36 people were detained.

The detentions occurred shortly after the memorial service for Kosovo heroes at Gazimestane, where Vidovdan was observed. Strict security measures were in place throughout the day, with Kosovo Police controlling participants' entry and exit from the memorial complex. They distributed leaflets outlining rules of conduct and warned against displaying flags, banners, or other symbols that could incite national or religious hatred.

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I cannot speak about this at the moment, I am not their lawyer, and they should answer that question.