The Kosovo Police Inspectorate has initiated a probe into two arrests that occurred over the past two days in northern Kosovo. The investigation focuses on allegations of police misconduct, as confirmed by KPI representatives.
Unclear Details Surrounding Arrests
While KPI acknowledged that the arrests took place on Saturday and Sunday in North Mitrovica and Socanica, respectively, they did not specify the exact incidents under scrutiny.
Incident in North Mitrovica
One of the incidents involves Aleksandar Arsenijević, the leader of the Serbian Democracy political movement. Arsenijević was detained on Sunday night in North Mitrovica but was later released.
However, video footage, including recordings from KoSSev, captured police officers using force against Arsenijević during the arrest on a public promenade.
According to witnesses, prior to the arrest, Arsenijević and his partner were reportedly restricted in their movements, while other citizens were free to move about. This incident took place at the same time Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and several of his ministers visited the area.
Allegations of Police Abuse in Socanica
In the second case, a man identified as V.Đ. was arrested in Socanica on Saturday night following a court order related to a drunk driving incident. V.Đ. has since been released, but claims of police brutality during his detention have surfaced.
Witnesses, reportedly companions of V.Đ., allege he was taken to an undisclosed location and subjected to severe physical abuse, resulting in injuries, including a broken nose and a torn eyebrow. They claim he was bleeding from his nose and mouth.
Kosovo police confirmed the arrest but denied the allegations of mistreatment, stating, “We handle cases professionally.”
KPI’s Response
The KPI released a statement today announcing a preliminary investigation into allegations of police misconduct in both cases.
“Investigators from the Kosovo Police Inspectorate will review the circumstances of the arrests and allegations of police abuse in North Mitrovica related to the incident reported on January 12, 2025, as well as in another case involving an arrest in Socanica near Leposavic,” the statement read.
KPI emphasized that their actions are being taken ex officio:
“The Police Inspectorate has initiated the collection of information and a preliminary review of the arrests of two individuals in these cases.”
Further details from the Inspectorate are pending as inquiries continue.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
