A group of citizens, led by parents who accused the Kosovo Police of mistreating their children during their detention on Thursday, staged a protest march today in North Mitrovica. The demonstrators began their march from the police station, blowing whistles, before concluding the protest at the end of the city promenade. There, they engaged in discussions with KFOR representatives, urging them to provide security amid concerns over police conduct.
The protest follows an incident on Thursday night when Kosovo Police detained six minors—three Serbs, one Bosniak, and two Albanians—allegedly over a dispute. Three Serbian minors, aged around 14, were released shortly after being taken into custody, as their arrest was deemed a mistake. The remaining three were later freed as well.
One of the detained minors, a Bosniak, claimed that he was subjected to mistreatment while in police custody. However, senior officials from the North Kosovo Police have stated that they are unaware of any police misconduct.
A March for Justice and Security
The protest march was announced the night before by a group of concerned parents, who insisted that their children had been subjected to police brutality. They gathered outside the police station at around 11:00 AM.
The demonstrators were joined by local citizens, civil sector representatives, and politicians, including officials from the Serbian Democracy party.
As they marched from the police station, protesters continuously urged passersby to join them, warning that „today it is my child, tomorrow it could be yours.“
Some citizens sitting in café gardens joined the procession, receiving applause from the crowd. Meanwhile, demonstrators expressed their discontent when passing by Kosovo Police officers stationed along the route.
Upon reaching the end of the promenade, they were met by KFOR personnel.
Parents Demand Answers from KFOR
Parents directly addressed KFOR representatives, asking if they could ensure the safety of their children.
„Do our children have the right to walk through the city? The right to live a normal life? My child was beaten so badly he can barely walk. Can someone explain this to me?“ questioned Suad Hot, the father of the detained Bosniak minor.
KFOR representatives responded with a standard statement, often seen in their official communications:
„KFOR is fully committed to ensuring security for all people in Kosovo, regardless of nationality, religious affiliation, or political beliefs.“
The response did little to appease the concerned parents, who repeatedly insisted that their children had been mistreated.
„This is stress, brutality, and abuse—do you understand?“ one parent exclaimed.
A KFOR representative reassured them that investigations were ongoing and that any officers found guilty of misconduct would face justice. However, the protesters remained skeptical.
„Can you provide us with security or not? If you can’t, we will, but you are responsible for our safety. Wake up from your winter sleep—you and EULEX, who do absolutely nothing. The people are angry,“ Hot declared.
KFOR representatives reiterated that the Kosovo Police were solely responsible for law enforcement, but they expressed hope that justice would be served following a fair investigation. The discussion continued away from the media, before the protest was formally concluded.
Increased KFOR Patrols Promised
Following the meeting, Suad Hot told KoSSev that KFOR had pledged to increase their patrols.
„They promised to boost patrols, to have a KFOR vehicle stationed wherever there is a static police patrol, and to provide full security for our children,“ he said.
However, Hot remained doubtful about whether this promise would materialize.
„This isn’t the first time they’ve made such promises. They always say the right things. So far, we’ve seen what they’ve done. We hope for change, but it’s unlikely,“ he remarked.
Official Complaint Filed
Hot confirmed that he had filed a criminal complaint and a report to the Kosovo Police Inspectorate against the officers involved in his son’s detention.
„My child was examined by a doctor—I have medical documentation proving that he was injured. He suffered a dislocated leg and was struck in the head with a gun. Everything is documented… We will fight to the end. This will not be ignored,“ he vowed.
When asked whether his son was facing legal proceedings for allegedly participating in the altercation, Hot stated that he had not received any official information from the authorities.
Read more:
Serb NGOs Say KP Proved To be the Biggest Threat in The North
Allegations of Police Brutality in North Mitrovica: A 16-Year-Old Claims Beatings in Custody
Three Serb Minors Detained in North Mitrovica Released After Police Admit Mistake
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