Kosovo: Another Serb detained in Zubin Potok region amid escalating tensions

Another Serb has been detained in the Zubin Potok region, multiple independent sources have confirmed to KoSSev. This latest detention follows earlier reports of R.D. from North Mitrovica being held at the Jarinje administrative crossing.

Sources indicate that the number of detained residents from the north of Kosovo may not be final. The individual detained is identified as R. K. Officials at the Kosovo Police declined to comment on the circumstances of the detention or the case itself. However, they confirmed to KoSSev that the individual was being held for questioning, without providing further details. They reiterated that questioning does not necessarily equate to arrest.

This marks the second reported detention of a resident from northern Kosovo today. The Kosovo Police had previously confirmed that one person was undergoing questioning at the Jarinje crossing, also noting that this did not necessarily mean the person was arrested at that stage.

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Arrests, raids on family homes, searches, detentions of Serbs, and holding them without the right to a lawyer represent unprecedented pressure on the Serb people.

Srpska Lista, a prominent political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, issued a statement condemning the detentions and searches. The party described the actions – including arrests, raids on family homes, and detentions without access to legal counsel – as unprecedented pressure on the Serb population. They allege the goal is to intimidate Serbs and compel their emigration from the Ibarski Kolašin region. Srpska Lista also stated that several individuals were detained and multiple family homes searched on this day alone. The party opposes collective approaches in war crimes investigations, asserting that criminal responsibility must be individual.

Furthermore, Srpska Lista urged international organizations to intervene, criticizing their "conspicuous silence" despite their mandate to ensure peace and security for all citizens. Earlier, Kosovo police and prosecutors announced the arrest of J. R. in Zubin Potok on suspicion of committing war crimes against civilians. In the same week, M. J. and M. B. were arrested, likely in connection with the same case, and were subsequently placed in one-month detention. Meanwhile, excavations continue in Mala Kaludra near Zubinog Potoka due to suspicions of a mass grave from the war period being located there. This site has been visited almost daily by high-ranking Pristina officials, including acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and a group of Self-Determination Movement MPs visited on the day of the report.

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We are calling on international organizations to react, who are conspicuously silent despite their mandate to ensure peace and security for all citizens.