Police come with recent announcement of situation north of country

“Protesters in Zvecan have after a while begun to show violence, insult and throw various strong tools and bombs to police and official vehicles, causing direct danger and slight bodily injuries to five (5) police officials who have since returned to police duties”, the announcement said.

Full announcement:

Additional information:

In order to prevent the entry of mayors to their jobs, close to the entrances of the three municipalities have gathered a considerable number of citizens, to prevent their entry and escort staff to official municipal facilities. In addition to the employed persons and their vehicles and vehicles located in the vicinity and near municipal facilities, alarms have been issued in northern municipalities used by criminal structures for mobilization and gatherings.

Kosovo police have engaged relevant police units, with the goal of managing the situation and circumstances created on the part of the assembled citizens who obstruct law enforcement and state officials in exercising their legitimate right. Public order officials have repeatedly talked with gathered citizens, calling for the same to go away and not prevent the work of state officials from being freed from the road and allowed to enter jobs, but the same have consistently refused.

Protesters in Zvecan after a while have begun to show violence, insult and throw various strong means and bombs to police and official vehicles, causing direct danger and slight bodily injuries to five (5) police officials who have since returned to police duties.

And material damage to four (4) official vehicles has been caused, one of them being set on fire. Suspects are that gunfire have been heard nearby, but the exact location is still unknown.

Given the direct risk of the life of police officials, the relevant police units in self-defence have been forced to react and use legitimate means, including tear gas to disperse the crowd, and to enable mayors to enter municipal objects. Regarding actions thus far, police have co-operated and co-ordinated actions with justice bodies, which have described the case as “Attack Against Constitutional Order”

Kosovo police will continue to maintain a safe and secure environment for all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo indiscriminately, as well as to take legal measures against illegal acts, which in any way would jeopardise security, tranquillity and stability in the country.

Police commitments to Pristina security, May 26, 2023

Kosovo police (PK), according to legal and constitutional authorisations, are taking their police actions in providing security, maintaining order and public security, as well as undertaking police measures aimed at preventing all criminal activities that are presented in the country. Under official duty, Kosovo Police today are assisting the mayors of the northern municipalities:

Zvecan, Leposaviq and Zubin Potok, to exercise their right to work in the official facilities of the respective municipalities.