A large protest erupted today in front of the police station in North Mitrovica, triggered by the recent arrest of Aleksandar Arsenijević, leader of the Serbian Democracy party.
Arsenijević was detained for the fifth time in just over two months, this time following a whistle-blowing protest with fellow activists against the arrival of local officials at the Mitrovica promenade.
Unlike previous incidents, where he was promptly released, this time Arsenijević has been placed under 48-hour police detention following a direct order from the prosecutor. The arrest, based on at least two complaints filed by Visar Syla, chief of staff for the mayor of North Mitrovica, is linked to accusations of „harassment.“
SD party members, outraged by their leader’s detention, announced last night that they would stage a protest to demand Arsenijević’s immediate release. They argue that his arrest violates their constitutional right to protest, as enshrined in Kosovo’s constitution.
They also claim that the move suppresses political activity and sends a chilling message to the broader Serbian community about the risks of participating in any form of dissent.
According to his lawyer, Jelena Krivokapić, Arsenijević faces charges of harassment. She expressed surprise at his detention, stating that there is no legal basis for the accusations.
Hundreds Gather in Protest
In front of the police station, Arsenijević’s party comrades and family members are joined by hundreds of local residents, all blowing whistles in solidarity. Among the crowd is Zlatan Elek, president of Srpska Lista party, and his deputy, Dragiša Milović. Civil activists have also gathered, holding banners aimed at the international community.
One banner read, „Is the EU concerned?“ while another mocked the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) with the message, „Well done EULEX, you’ve taught them well.“ A striking image on one banner depicted Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti with a whistle in his mouth, a reference to his own past protests as an opposition leader. The caption read, „Let’s just keep it going in order.“
Another banner featured the acronym „AKP – Albin Kurti Police,“ alongside images of police officers in North Mitrovica. A third, more somber sign displayed the words „I’m bruised from your democracy,“ with pictures of youths injured two years ago during an incident near Štrpce, as well as a man wounded on the Bistrica Bridge in a police shooting.
Protest March to the Ibar River Bridge
Shortly after 11 a.m., the protesters began a march from the police station toward the main Ibar River Bridge. Led by Arsenijević’s mother, holding the Serbian national flag, hundreds of citizens followed behind her, chanting „Freedom!“ as they made their way down to the bottom of the Mitrovica promenade.
At the end of the march, SD party representative Stefan Veljković addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support. He added that if their comrade is not released, protests would continue the following day.
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