Serbian non-governmental organizations in Northern Kosovo are responding against the actions of the Kosovo Police and the decisions of the Kosovo government, stated the mayor of North Mitrovica, Erden Atić, last night, while accusing them of remaining silent in other instances. Atić made his remarks following the decision by civil society organizations in the North to suspend cooperation with EULEX until there is a response regarding the arrest and alleged beating of Miloš Subotić.
„The Serbian civil society in the northern part of the country has never reacted to the burning of Serbian cars or other violent actions by terrorist organizations such as ‘Civil Protection’ and ‘Northern Brigade,’“ Mayor Atić asserted on Facebook, accompanied by photographs of the Kosovo Police and PIK statements related to last night’s incident.
He further claimed that reactions were also absent concerning events in Banjska on September 24 of last year, and added, „There was also no reaction after the brutal attack on Goran Rakić. Not even from the Serbian List.“
This is also the first time that an official, from either the Albanian or Serbian side, has stated what the media has been speculating about for days – that Goran Rakić was allegedly beaten. The Kosovo Police have also not commented on this, responding to media inquiries that they do not have a case.
Atić also commented on today’s announcement from civil society organizations. „According to available data, the NGO ACDC, led by Dušan Radaković, has initiated the suspension of cooperation with EULEX, joined by other Serbian NGOs,“ he noted.
Radaković: Resign to Help Deescalate Tensions
In response to these statements, Radaković commented on Atić’s post. „As a civil society organization, NGO ACDC is obliged to respond when the human rights of ordinary citizens are violated, especially when those rights are infringed by institutions that are supposed to protect them. We will continue to do so, as we will also collaborate with institutions when it benefits the citizens,“ he stated.
Radaković also called on Atić to contribute to easing tensions in the city by resigning. „Since you directly addressed me, I also call you out. I invite you to directly assist in deescalating the growing tensions in the city by resigning alongside your council members, thereby opening the door for organizing local elections in North Mitrovica simultaneously with the elections for central authority,“ he said.
About the incident from the day before yesterday
To recap, Miloš Subotić was apprehended in North Mitrovica shortly after midnight when he reportedly moved bags from a public area near a newly opened store to get home with his wife. He claims he was then taken to a police station in a room without cameras and allegedly beaten while handcuffed—first by one officer and then by another, both of whom had their badge numbers obscured.
Conversely, the Kosovo Police provided conflicting statements, denying that Subotić was beaten and accusing him of vandalism. They stated that he allegedly damaged tarpaulins and goods belonging to the store, insulted police officers, and refused to comply with their orders, leading to his arrest.
In the meantime, several reactions have emerged, including a statement from multiple civil society organizations, primarily from Northern Kosovo. They condemned what they described as „unlawful detention and subsequent beating“ of Subotić and announced the suspension of cooperation with EULEX until a response to the case is issued.
They characterized this incident as yet another in a series of illegal actions by members of the Northern Region, highlighting the level of unprofessionalism and bias displayed by alleged representatives of law enforcement toward citizens. They also called on the Ombudsman to initiate an investigation, to which the Deputy Ombudsman later responded, stating that „the practice of inhumane treatment and inappropriate use of force must be completely halted and sanctioned.“
Responses Again This Morning
They spoke out again this morning. „In light of the lack of response following our call for a statement regarding the case of police torture against our fellow citizen Miloš Subotić, we once again urge the European Union Rule of Law Mission – EULEX to inform the public about the steps it has taken to establish accountability for the inhumane treatment and torture in this and numerous other cases we have witnessed in recent months in Northern Kosovo,“ they stated in a press release.
They reminded that the mission’s mandate includes overseeing Kosovo’s institutions in cases of human rights violations. „Given that the right to protection from police torture is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and many other international conventions, EULEX’s responsibility in these cases is undeniable,“ they further stated.
The inaction and calculation of the EULEX mission in monitoring the actions of Kosovo’s institutions within the rule of law significantly contribute to fostering and institutionalizing a policy of impunity, granting immunity to individuals and groups within the Kosovo police for the excessive use of force against Kosovo Serbs, according to NGOs from the North. „By remaining silent, EULEX becomes an accomplice,“ they warned.
Read more:
Kosovo Police Outline Details of Miloš Subotić’s Arrest as Inspectorate Launches Abuse Investigation
‘How Can I Trust the Police?’: Miloš Subotić’s Struggle for Justice After Alleged Assault
Mitrovica Resident Alleges Police Abuse After Detention Incident; Kosovo Police Deny Claims
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