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| Kosovo police (archive) |
Local and international authorities have expressed concern over the resignations occurring among Serbian community police officers in Kosovo. Recently, 7 young Serbian police officers resigned just a month after taking up their duties. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani accused Belgrade, stating that "as a result of continuous threats and intimidations from Belgrade," the officers are resigning.
Kosovo accuses Belgrade of pressure
"The resignation of police officials from the Serbian community is a direct result of continuous threats and intimidations from Serbia, evidence that its policies continue to reflect the tactics of former Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic. We will continue to offer inclusivity in all institutions and a safe Kosovo for all," Osmani wrote on social media.
Kosovo's Minister of Interior, Xhelal Svecla, also stated that "Serbian police officers are being forced to resign." "Police officials are being compelled to resign through threats and pressures from Belgrade institutions. In this way, they are intentionally harming the Serbian community in Kosovo and undermining our sovereignty. The international community must react strongly to Serbia's behavior," wrote Svecla.
The resignations of Serbian police officers have triggered reactions from the international community. The Head of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Giovanni Pietro Barbano, mentioned that the resigning officers had joined the Kosovo Police late. "EULEX is closely monitoring these concerning developments. The composition of the police force should reflect and represent the society they serve and protect. Members of non-majority communities within the Kosovo Police can contribute to the security of their communities through patrolling," Giovanni wrote on Twitter.
International concerns
German Ambassador to Kosovo, Jorn Rohde, stated that "a multi-ethnic country requires a multi-ethnic police force. All members of the Kosovo Police, regardless of their ethnic group, should be able to perform their duties without fear," Ambassador Rohde wrote. US Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier echoed a similar sentiment, stating that they are closely following these concerning developments. "We reiterate our commitment to a multi-ethnic police force in Kosovo. I've said it before, the Kosovo Police exists to serve all communities in Kosovo, and police officers should be able to carry out their duties freely and without intimidation. We are closely monitoring these developments," he wrote on Twitter.
In November of last year, Serbian police officers in northern Kosovo resigned as part of massive resignations by Serbian officials in the northern municipalities of Zvečan, Leposavić, Zubin Potok, and North Mitrovica. This dissatisfaction stemmed from a decision by the Kosovo Government to re-register vehicles with illegal Serbian license plates in the Republic of Kosovo. Later, Kosovar authorities announced a competition for the admission of new police officers, and a month ago, on July 14th, 74 new police officers from non-majority communities began working in the Kosovo Police. Of this number, 46 were from the Serbian community.