Aleksandar Arsenijević, leader of the Serbian Democratic Party, was detained by police on the North Mitrovica promenade late this evening amidst a significant police presence. The incident occurred as Arsenijević attempted to move toward the Ibar River bridge, which was heavily secured by law enforcement. Meanwhile, on the very same promenade, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and senior officials from the Self-Determination Movement gathered at a local café ahead of an election rally on the southern side of the bridge.
Increased Police Activity and Tensions in North Mitrovica
North Mitrovica saw notably enhanced police presence throughout the afternoon and evening. Officers were stationed across the city, with a particularly large contingent on the main promenade. At one point, approximately ten officers formed a cordon, blocking Arsenijević and a group of his party activists from proceeding toward the bridge.
Citizens traveling along the Mitrovica-Jarinje road reported heightened security measures, including police checkpoints, traffic patrols, and special police units. A helicopter was also seen hovering over the city.
Confrontation and Detainment
Arsenijević attempted multiple times to bypass the police cordon but was repeatedly stopped by officers, who instructed him to turn back.
He argued with the officers, claiming his freedom of movement was being unjustly restricted. Despite his protests, the police maintained their blockade.
The situation escalated when Arsenijević made another attempt to pass the cordon. Police subdued him, forcing him to the ground before escorting him briskly to a police vehicle parked near the Braća Milić Square. He was subsequently taken into custody.
Kurti and Officials Nearby Amid Heavy Security
While the confrontation unfolded, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, along with Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla and other Self-Determination officials, were gathered at Missini, a café roughly 100 meters from the scene. The café and surrounding area were heavily guarded by both uniformed and plainclothes officers.
Kurti and his delegation then moved to another establishment, Hebs’s, where they were met with applause and chants of „Albin Kurti“ from a small group of supporters. Kurti then briefly walked to the edge of the promenade before heading to the southern part of the city.
The Self-Determination Movement held an election rally later in the evening at the “Minatori” hall, located in South Mitrovica, just beyond the Ibar River.
Police Justify Actions
Petrit Fejza, a representative of the Kosovo Police in the North, confirmed to KoSSev that Arsenijević was detained to prevent potential disruptions, citing the presence of high-ranking officials in the area.
„What he (Arsenijević) does is too much. Others were allowed to move freely, but not him. He keeps coming here, and we repeatedly ask him to stay away, but he refuses to listen,“ Fejza explained.
He added that Arsenijević would be released with a fine, as had been the case during previous detentions.
In the meantime, Arsenijević was released following a short detainment.
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