The EU for the expulsion of Serbian police from Kosovo: That should be the last measure

In a response to Radio Free Europe, the EU spokesman also said the measures for lifting citizenship or deportation should be in line with the European Convention on Human Rights, in particular with the request that is in Article 8 that requires an individual assessment based on evidence, which balances national security with the individual's private and family life.

“We are carefully following arrests and deportations. We have urged Kosovo authorities to ensure a fair process, respect fundamental rights standards and ensure legal means for affected persons”, the EU's response was said.

Kosovo authorities, since 15 June, have expelled five members of Serbia's Ministry of Internal Affairs who lived in Kosovo, arguing that “pose a threat to national security”.

Kosovo Minister of Internal Affairs Jedal Svecla's duty, earlier, has indicated that the decision to abolish citizenship has been taken on the basis of the Law on Citizenship, Sublawing Acts and recommendations of relevant institutions.

From the German Embassy in Kosovo, they have earlier said that sensitive decisions, such as lifting citizenship and deportation, should be taken in accordance with all legal provisions, including the European Convention on Human Rights.

This embassy has said that affected persons should be provided full access to legal counsel and access to legal complaint.

Even from Italy's Embassy in Kosovo have told Free Europe Radio that it is carefully following the situation over the expulsion of Serb police members, but also the arrest of former Kosovo police officer Arbnor Spahiu, in Serbia.

Our “call for both sides is to act by fully respecting rule of law and to refrain from actions that could lead to escalation of” tensions, said the response sent by the Italian Embassy in Kosovo.

On June 7th in Serbia has been arrested former Kosovo Special Police Unit member Arbnor Spahiu, who is charged with “grave murder in Banjska” in September, when an armed group of Serbs attacked Kosovo Police and killed a sergeant. Three Serb attackers were killed during the shootout.

Spahiu's lawyer, Arian Koci, has said his client is accused of killing three Serb attackers in Banjska.

From the Organisation for Security and Co-operation mission in Europe (OSBE) said they do not have full information about the expulsion of Serbian MPB members and the removal of Kosovo citizenship, they cannot comment on concrete cases. However, from O The SEU said they are following the situation carefully.

“We stress that in such situations, institutions should adhere to rule of law and regular legal procedure, in accordance with international law”, the OSCE said.

Meanwhile, a group of Serb non-governmental organisations has reacted on June 18th, expressing “deep concern for the recent practice of expulsion of citizens of Serbian nationality, with permanent residence and families in Kosovo, with no preliminary removal of citizenship, without trial and without a right, ”.

The Office for Kosovo in Serbia's Government in its response estimated that it is the <x0-political persecution of a people and ethnic cleansing of Serbs”.

He also said he is in direct contact with representatives of the European Union and that he has informed international representatives of everything.

Under the Law for Kosovo citizenship, a person loses citizenship if he deals with activities that violate Kosovo's national security, as well as whether deliberately he joins an organisation aimed at destroying or damaging Kosovo's constitutional order.

According to the same law, a person could lose citizenship if he is a member of the intelligence service or police forces of another state, without the consent of local organs or if such is not permitted by international agreements. /Periscope/