In the statement made by the Kraljevo High Court, it was stated that the indictment against Rifat Zeka, Beqir Sefi and Mustafa Shemi for “possession of weapons and explosives” was accepted, and that 3 Kosovo police officers were released pending trial.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti shared on his social media account, “We confirm that the three abducted policemen have been released. Although we are happy to be reunited with their families, this kidnapping is a serious violation of human rights and should be condemned. Serbian aggression must be held to account.” made statements.
Appreciation from Hungary to Serbia
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, in a statement on social media, stated that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic informed him that 3 policemen would be released, and said, “Last week, we asked for the Kosovo policemen to be released as part of my visit to Serbia. We appreciate the step taken by Mr. Vucic. ” used the phrases.
Noting that Vucic faced serious challenges, Orban said, “The decision is a testament to the strategic cooperation between our countries and our commitment to peace and stability in the Balkans.” made its assessment.
It is stated in the Serbian media that the Kosovo Serbs who were detained in Kosovo after the release of the Kosovo police should also be freed.
The 3 released Kosovo policemen are expected to arrive in Kosovo within the day.
On June 14, Serbia detained 3 people, who were determined to be members of the Kosovo police, in the border region of the two countries on the grounds that they were “planning an action in Serbia”; Kosovo had argued that the police were “kidnapped” by Serbia.
Kosovo police also detained about 10 Kosovo Serbs for different reasons, and Serbia demanded that these people be released as soon as possible.
Tensions in northern Kosovo continue for a month
On 26 May, Kosovo Serbs protested the election of Albanian mayors who won the local elections on 23 April in the municipalities of Zveçan, Zubin Potok and Leposavic, where Serbs are concentrated in the north of Kosovo.
There was a clash between the Kosovo police, which was sent to the region to protect the Albanian mayors, and the Kosovo Serbs.
It is stated that the main reason for the tension between the two countries, which come face to face from time to time, is that Serbia sees Kosovo, which declared its independence unilaterally in 2008, as its own territory.
Within the scope of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue Process, which was initiated in 2011 under the mediation of the European Union (EU), efforts are being made to find a common way for the two countries to get to know each other and normalize relations.