Six young men were arrested last night in North Mitrovica following an altercation that escalated into an alleged attack on police officers, Kosovo Police confirmed. The incident took place near Srez, on Kralja Petra Street, close to the restaurant „Tri šešira.“
Srpska Lista strongly condemned what they described as police brutality during the arrest, demanding an immediate investigation by the Kosovo Police Inspectorate and the suspension of those responsible until the inquiry is concluded.
Meanwhile, Kosovo Police acknowledged the use of force but stated that it was within legal limits, considering the specific circumstances of the arrest.
According to police reports, the suspects—identified by initials as N.N. (24), N.N. (26), A.B. (28), A.B. (30), I.R. (24), and B.Đ. (19)—were under the influence of alcohol, with blood alcohol levels ranging between 1.21 and 1.84 percent.
Officers intervened to break up a fight among them, after which the suspects allegedly directed verbal abuse at the police before physically attacking them.
“Following the intervention of the patrol unit, the fight was stopped, but the suspects then insulted and physically assaulted the officers,” Kosovo Police stated.
Three police officers reportedly sustained injuries during the altercation and received medical attention. The arrested individuals were also examined and treated for any injuries. All six suspects have been placed in police custody for up to 48 hours and are facing charges of assaulting law enforcement officers.
Srpska Lista Condemns Alleged Police Brutality
In response to the incident, Srpska Lista, the leading political party representing Kosovo Serbs, strongly condemned what they described as „police brutality“ during the arrests.
The party called on the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (KPI) to launch an immediate investigation and suspend those responsible pending the outcome.
“The violation of laws, police procedures for dealing with citizens, and, most importantly, human rights abuses are a direct result of the inflammatory rhetoric fueled by the regime in Pristina, as well as the failure to hold perpetrators accountable for hundreds of attacks on Serbs,” Srpska Lista stated.
The party also urged EULEX, the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, to conduct a thorough review of police operations in North Kosovo, particularly cases involving „clear evidence of police brutality.
Furthermore, Srpska Lista reiterated their long-standing demand for the withdrawal of what they describe as „paramilitary monoethnic police formations“ from Serb-majority areas, claiming these units pose a threat to regional stability.
Police Defend Use of Force as „Within Legal Limits“
Deputy Regional Commander for North Kosovo, Veton Elshani, confirmed for KoSSev that force was used during the arrests but insisted that officers acted within legal boundaries.
“As far as I’m concerned, everything was done correctly. No excessive force was used. When you have multiple intoxicated individuals, you have to act quickly. Three of our officers were injured, meaning force was necessary. The suspects had a high blood alcohol concentration,” Elshani stated.
He also confirmed that the Kosovo Police Inspectorate had been notified about the use of force, as per standard procedure.
“Whenever force is used, the inspectorate is informed. They review all available evidence before deciding whether an investigation is warranted. If suspicions of excessive force arise, KPI launches an inquiry. Additionally, if publicly available footage suggests brutality, KPI can initiate an independent investigation,” he explained.
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