“I am ready to be questioned by the Prosecutor’s Office or the Police online, via the internet, in the presence of my lawyer,” Serbian Democracy leader Aleksandar Arsenijević said today.
His statement comes after Kosovo’s acting Interior Minister, Xhelal Sveçla, dismissed Arsenijević’s claim that the weapons found on his property in the village of Valač/Vallaq were “planted” as “science fiction.” Arsenijević had also alleged that Sveçla himself was involved in the alleged setup.
In addition, in a statement to Pristina-based media today, Sveçla accused Arsenijević of terrorism.
“Arsenijević tried to build an image as an opposition figure, but the facts show that he is involved in terrorist activities,” Sveçla said, as quoted by Kanal10.
“With today’s statements, Sveçla is simply throwing more fuel onto the pyre he has prepared,” Arsenijević responded.
He reiterated that he is willing to testify online – in the presence of legal counsel.
What happened?
A large cache of weapons and ammunition was discovered on June 22 during a search of a property in the village of Valač/Vallaq, which was later confirmed to belong to local politician Aleksandar Arsenijević. According to police, the weapons were buried in plastic pipes underground, inside a horse stable.
On the same day, acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla confirmed that the property belonged to Arsenijević.
In a video published alongside a list of the seized weapons and ammunition, Sveçla stated that “crime cannot be hidden” and that Kosovo institutions “will not stop until the criminal and terrorist remnants of Serbia are completely eradicated.”
He also announced that Kosovo authorities are searching for Arsenijević, and that he will be detained upon his return to Kosovo.
Arsenijević denies the allegations
Arsenijević told KoSSev on Sunday that he is currently away on a family trip, outside of Kosovo. He denied any ownership of the weapons and firmly stated that the case was a setup.
He claims the case is politically motivated and that, due to Sveçla’s public statements, he has decided – at least for now – not to return to Kosovo. He is seeking guarantees for a fair trial.
Kosovo’s Acting Interior Minister: Arsenijević Will Be Arrested Upon Entry
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
