Aleksandar Arsenijević, leader of the Serbian Democracy party, was released today, just over 24 hours after his latest arrest. He has been given a security measure, prohibiting him from approaching Visar Syla, the chief of staff for the mayor of North Mitrovica, for a period of one month.
This marks the fifth time Arsenijević has been detained in just over two months. His most recent arrest occurred after he once again participated in a protest against the presence of North Mitrovica’s mayor, Erden Atić, in the city’s promenade.
Along with fellow demonstrators, Arsenijević used a whistle to voice his opposition to the mayor’s visit.
Previously, Arsenijević had been detained for similar actions, but this time, the arrest came directly at the order of the prosecutor. The charges were based on complaints of harassment, with at least two formal reports filed by Visar Syla, who had been present with the mayor during the incident on the promenade.
Protest and Legal Proceedings
Unlike previous instances, Arsenijević was not immediately released. Instead, he was remanded a 48-hour custody. He spent the night in a detention unit in the southern part of Mitrovica. Today, supporters of his party, along with hundreds of citizens, protested outside the police station, demanding his immediate release.
At approximately 3 p.m. today, Arsenijević was brought before a judge. His lawyer, Jelena Krivokapić, confirmed to local media outlet KoSSev that the prosecutor requested a restraining order, specifically barring Arsenijević from approaching Syla within a distance of 20 to 50 meters.
However, Krivokapić argued that her client should be released without any conditions, insisting that his arrest was unwarranted.
„It’s a dangerous line to walk,“ Krivokapić said.
„If you’re ordered to keep a distance of 20 to 50 meters in a small street like our promenade, there’s always a chance they could cross paths, exchange words, and if that happens, any violation would lead to immediate detention.“
Released Under Security Measures
As Krivokapić had predicted, Arsenijević was released, but with the imposed security measure. He has been ordered to maintain a distance of 40 meters from Syla for a period of one month.
„Yes, I’ve been given a restraining order for one month, with a 40-meter distance,“ Arsenijević confirmed to KoSSev after his release. He also hinted at concerns that the measure could be used against him. „I’ve been informed that Visar Syla also received the same, if he deliberately violates the order to set me up, it’s also noted in the Albanian explanation.“
Despite the restriction, Arsenijević vowed that this is not the end of his political struggle. „This is not a surrender. We know we are enemies of this government, that they want to eradicate us, but we will not give in. We are prepared for all challenges, including prison. We will only become more sophisticated and enhance our methods of nonviolent resistance.“
The restraining order applies solely to Syla and not to Mayor Erden Atić, contrary to earlier media reports based on the prosecutor’s request.
Arsenijević concluded with a remark mocking the complaint filed by Syla. „Apparently, Syla even complained that he can’t enjoy football matches anymore because of the whistle. But our smile is unbeatable, so let them try,“ he said.
Arsenijević’s lawyer indicated that they might appeal the court’s decision on the restraining order, but no final decision has been made yet.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
