In a call for transparency and accountability, civil society organizations from Northern Kosovo have urged the Basic Prosecution Office in Mitrovica to inform the public about the status of investigations involving police officers suspended over allegations of misconduct. The suspensions followed the controversial arrest of Miloš Subotić, a resident of North Mitrovica, which has prompted widespread concern over police behavior in the region.
In a joint statement, five organizations—InTER, the New Social Initiative (NSI), AKTIV, CASA, and ACDC—pointed to Article 11.1 of the Kosovo Prosecution Act, which mandates public updates on prosecutorial activities, as the basis for their demand.
They argued that effective institutional responses in cases of alleged police misconduct require a transparent judicial process and timely public communication.
Call for Transparency in the Case of Miloš Subotić
The groups highlighted previous cases where alleged victims of police abuse received minimal follow-up from authorities.
“Based on previous experience in cases of physical abuse of citizens by the police, such as the cases of the director of AKTIV, Miodrag Milićević, and citizen Vladan Stevanović, where investigations by the Kosovo Police Inspectorate did not result in a prosecutorial outcome, we insist this time on transparent and timely public reporting on the status of the investigation in the case of Miloš Subotić, including the classification of the criminal offense and the intention to file charges.”
They also requested clarification on the decision to halt the investigation into the case of Stevanović, who, in April, claimed he was beaten by special police units in Zubin Potok. The Kosovo Police Inspectorate had confirmed an investigation at that time but has since provided limited public information.
Additionally, they requested a status update on Milićević’s case; he reported in November 2022 that he was verbally and physically assaulted by special police officers near the Jarinje border crossing.
The Arrest of Subotić: Conflicting Accounts and Suspension of Officers
Subotić’s arrest, which took place near the main bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica, has sparked conflicting narratives.
Subotić claims he was detained and taken to a room without cameras, where masked police officers allegedly beat him.
He was then fined for alleged infractions. Kosovo Police, however, refuted his account, asserting that Subotić had vandalized property, verbally insulted officers, and resisted orders.
In response to Subotić’s allegations, KPI launched an investigation and recommended the suspension of two officers, suspecting their involvement in the alleged mistreatment. Kosovo Police acted on this recommendation on October 30, announcing the officers’ suspension until further recommendations from KPI.
Civil Society’s Response: Calls for Accountability and Suspension of Cooperation with EULEX
The arrest and alleged mistreatment of Subotić triggered strong reactions, particularly from Serbian community representatives and civil society organizations in Northern Kosovo.
The five leading organizations from the region expressed their outrage by suspending collaboration with the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) until it addresses what they called the “detention and beating of Miloš Subotić.”
In response, EULEX Chief Giovanni Pietro Barbano clarified that EULEX does not investigate individual cases but regretted the organizations’ decision to halt cooperation, stating that it “misses an opportunity for open dialogue.”
The organizations have since held discussions with Kosovo’s Ombudsman, Naim Qelaj, focusing on issues of police misconduct, excessive use of force, and recent verbal attacks on civil society figures by local and government officials.
Read more:
‘How Can I Trust the Police?’: Miloš Subotić’s Struggle for Justice After Alleged Assault
Kosovo Police Outline Details of Miloš Subotić’s Arrest as Inspectorate Launches Abuse Investigation
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