The Kosovo Police Inspectorate has recommended the suspension of two police officers under suspicion of mistreating a Serbian citizen in North Mitrovica. The announcement on Wednesday followed an investigation into the incident, which sparked considerable public reactions after footage was circulated on social media.
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| Uniforms of the Police Inspectorate of Kosovo |
The call for suspension was prompted by a video shared by the political entity "Serbian Democracy," showing the arrest of a Serbian citizen who alleged mistreatment by the police. Following the release of the footage, the Inspectorate recommended suspending a police sergeant and another officer, stating that this decision was "in the interest of the investigation due to suspicions of their involvement in the mistreatment of the citizen."
Kosovo Police initially responded, noting that the individual, identified by the initials M.S., had been detained after allegedly attempting to damage property at a store. According to the police, M.S. ignored commands to cease his actions and verbally insulted officers in Serbian.
Kosovo's Deputy Ombudsperson, Srdjan Sentić, condemned the incident, calling for an end to such practices and for sanctions to be applied. Several Serbian civil society organizations also voiced their concerns, announcing a suspension of cooperation with the EU’s Rule of Law Mission (EULEX) until it issues a statement regarding the alleged unlawful arrest and mistreatment of Milos Subotic.
Political groups and civil society in northern Kosovo have raised ongoing concerns over what they describe as violent actions by Kosovo Police against Serbian residents in the region. Kosovo authorities have called on citizens to report any potential misconduct to the appropriate institutions.