Prosecutors: No Criminal Case Over Hate Posters Targeting Albanian Bakers in Kruševac

Prosecutors in Kruševac have decided not to initiate criminal proceedings against individuals responsible for placing hate speech posters targeting Albanian bakery owners. The posters, which appeared in the city, contained messages urging citizens to "remember Gazimestan" and to "not buy from Albanians."

“

Remember Gazimestana, don't buy from Shiptars

The Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Kruševac stated that after analyzing the collected information, they found no elements to pursue criminal charges for any offense prosecuted ex officio. The office informed N1 that police officers became aware of the hate poster through social media posts.

In response, police conducted a sweep of all bakeries in Kruševac, particularly those known to be owned by individuals of Albanian nationality. During this inspection, a sticker was found on a utility pole near a bakery owned by T.I. from Kruševac. The sticker read, "Remember Gazimestana, don't buy from Shiptars," as reported by the Prosecutor's Office. Police officers from the Kruševac Police Department also interviewed T.I.

“

After analyzing the collected information, the Higher Public Prosecutor's Office in Kruševac concluded that there are no elements for initiating criminal proceedings for any offense prosecuted ex officio

Following the incident, reactions came from the Protector of Citizens and the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality. Commissioner Milan Antonijević previously emphasized that "any speech and action targeting people or calling for discrimination based on their national affiliation deserves clear condemnation."

“

any speech and action targeting people or calling for discrimination based on their national affiliation deserves clear condemnation