Kosovo police assist takeover of Rezala Camp on Lake Gazivode; co-owner alleges illegal seizure

The Rezala Camp, a recreational center on the shores of Lake Gazivode in northern Kosovo, has been taken over by the public enterprise Ibar-Lepenac, reportedly with the assistance of Kosovo Police. The camp, known for eco-tourism, is situated in the Zubin Potok municipality.

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Yesterday, representatives of the public enterprise Ibar-Lepenac, assisted by members of the Kosovo Police, reportedly including members of special police units, entered Rezala Camp on Gazivode Lake and established de facto control over its facilities.

Dragisa Mijacic, who identified himself as one of the four co-owners, stated that neither he nor the other owners received prior notification of the takeover. He claims the action lacked a legal basis and described it as an "extrajudicial deprivation of possession," asserting that the compulsory transfer of property requires a formal enforcement procedure.

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According to the information available to us, the action was not conducted through a court, a private enforcement agent, or any other legally authorized enforcement authority.

Mijacic detailed that police forcibly opened five bungalows and the camp's restaurant before workers and equipment were brought in to maintain the grounds. He emphasized that no judicial or administrative decision, enforcement order, or other document justifying the operation was presented to the owners.

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Police assistance may be provided in the course of lawful enforcement, but it cannot in itself constitute a legal basis for a landowner or public enterprise to enter buildings unilaterally, forcibly open them, and deprive their long-term users of factual possession.

In contrast, Veton Elshani, Deputy Commander of the Kosovo Police for the North region, confirmed the takeover by Ibar-Lepenac. Ibar-Lepenac CEO Faruk Mujka shared photos from the camp on social media, calling it "the most beautiful place in the Republic of Kosovo."

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Every day brings a new opportunity, a new perspective, and a new view from the most beautiful place in the Republic of Kosovo.