Kosovo police detain 37 after Vidovdan event

Kosovo police announced the detention of 37 individuals following the Vidovdan commemoration at Gazimestane. The arrests, confirmed by the police, were reportedly made due to "provocative calls with elements of inciting hatred," according to the news outlet KoSSev. This marks the first official confirmation of the number of detainees after a period of uncertainty regarding their fate.

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provocative calls with elements of inciting hatred

Sources on the ground indicated that the detainees were brought to the Basic Court in Pristina, where they were met by family members, friends, and lawyers. One lawyer confirmed that at least 36 people were detained, with reports from Radio Kim suggesting that around 20 of them lacked Kosovo documentation, potentially leading to deportation. The Kosovo police statement did not address these specific claims.

The police statement detailed that operational measures were implemented to manage security, maintain public order, and control traffic and border crossings during the Vidovdan observance. They stated that while no incidents affected the main event, 37 people were taken in for questioning for allegedly making provocative calls that violated legal provisions. One person was fined for disturbing public order.

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One person was fined for disturbing public order.

All 37 individuals were processed by the court after questioning and are awaiting a decision. The police also noted that other participants dispersed peacefully after the afternoon activities concluded. The detentions followed stringent security measures, including checks on participants entering and exiting the memorial complex, and the distribution of leaflets outlining prohibited items like flags and symbols deemed unacceptable by the police.

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all 37 detainees were processed by the court after questioning, where they await a decision.