Members of the Serbian Democratic Party, led by Aleksandar Arsenijević, staged a protest today at the gates of the EULEX mission base in South Mitrovica. They plastered the gates with posters accusing the EU rule of law mission of serving the interests of the ruling party in Pristina. Arsenijević was subsequently questioned by police as a suspect for disturbing public order.
Accompanied by party colleagues, Arsenijević approached the EULEX base, where they affixed multiple posters reading “EULEX VETËVENDOSJE! Police” and “EUVLEX,” with a prominent “V” reminiscent of the logo of the ruling party in Pristina, Vetëvendosje.
“We are here to stick what is rightfully theirs: ‘Vetëvendosje Police’ — these are your true insignias. When you serve us, know whom you are serving,” Arsenijević stated while applying the posters. He also claimed that similar posters were placed on two EULEX vehicles in North Mitrovica.
He accused EULEX of acting as a façade for the Vetëvendosje party, asserting, “EULEX does not see when Serbs are beaten; EULEX does not see when Serbs are harassed…”
Questioned by Authorities
After the protest, Arsenijević went to a police station in South Mitrovica, where he was summoned for a “discussion” regarding the poster incident. Upon leaving the station, he reported that he was not issued a formal citation, although police mentioned possible charges for disturbing public order.
“They did not give me a fine; they only took my statement, and the court will make a decision,” Arsenijević conveyed in a video message outside the station.
Kosovo Police Respond
The Kosovo Police released a statement regarding the incident, confirming the identification of a suspect responsible for the “provocative posters.” They reiterated that Arsenijević was invited for questioning due to “disturbing public order.”
Police officials in South Mitrovica confirmed to KoSSev that no penalties had been imposed on Arsenijević and that standard procedures regarding public order violations were underway.
Rising Criticism of EULEX
The Serbian Democratic Party’s actions come amid escalating criticism from leading civil society organizations in northern Kosovo regarding EULEX’s impartiality.
Last week, the arrest of local resident Miloš Subotić, who alleged that Kosovo police officers assaulted him, prompted five non-governmental organizations to suspend cooperation with the EU mission until it publicly addresses the findings related to Subotić’s case.
Although EULEX has not issued an official response to the recent incidents, they did state in correspondence with the media that they are calling for urgent and effective investigations into the allegations of harassment against Subotić by certain police officers.
While EULEX acknowledged the need for action following the decision of civil society organizations to halt cooperation, these groups have maintained their stance, asserting that cooperation will remain suspended until the EU mission publicly addresses the findings related to Subotić’s case.
“Inaction is complicity,” they stated in a subsequent response.
In contrast to Subotić’s allegations, the Kosovo Police denied claims of physical abuse, contending that he instigated vandalism, insulted officers, and refused to comply with their orders.
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