Another Kosovo government official, Deputy Minister of Local Government Administration Arber Vokrri, visited North Mitrovica today, only to be met with protests led by Aleksandar Arsenijević, leader of the Serbian Democracy party. Alongside Arsenijević, a number of citizens and civil activists, including Dragiša Mijačić, Coordinator of the National Convention on the EU for Chapter 35, expressed their discontent with the official’s presence.
As Vokrri appeared on Mitrovica’s promenade, presumably giving an interview to a local TV crew, protesters began blowing whistles and chanting „Propaganda.“ The protesters, initially civil activists, were soon joined by Arsenijević and other citizens in their vocal opposition.
Kosovo police, who were overseeing Vokrri’s visit, formed a barrier to prevent the protesters from approaching the official.
Arsenijević voiced his frustration, accusing the police of preventing him from walking freely in his own city.
„I’ve lived here since I was a child, I grew up here. And now you’re telling me I can’t walk where I please because he’s here? Let him leave, not me. This is my home,“ Arsenijević told the police.
Throughout Vokrri’s interview, the protesters continued to blow whistles and chant slogans. The crowd eventually followed Vokrri as he made his way toward the main Ibar Bridge, maintaining their loud protest.
Vokrri’s Response to the Protests
Turning towards the demonstrators, Vokri made a brief statement to the press:
„I came here to meet the citizens. Some aren’t too happy about that. We’re here to help, to extend services to the people, to understand their needs and address them.”
When asked who specifically benefited from his visit, he responded, „It seems that a group wants to position themselves as local leaders or champions for the Serbian people here. I don’t quite believe in that. I know some of them personally.“
Vokrri, who appeared unbothered by the protest, explained, „This is democracy. Not everyone has to like me.“
Clashes and Accusations
During Vokrri’s interview, a minor incident occurred when Arsenijević claimed he was struck by a man dressed in black, who then verbally abused him. Arsenijević demanded that the police take action, accusing the individual of impersonating a police officer. One officer responded that the individual would be questioned at the station.
Despite the tensions, Vokrri continued giving interviews near the main bridge, with police maintaining a line between him and the protesters.
As Vokrri made his way toward the southern part of the city, Arsenijević followed closely, engaging in a verbal exchange with the deputy minister. At one point, Vokrri asked what would happen if a similar protest occurred in Kragujevac, to which Arsenijević replied, „I don’t know, I live in Kosovo.“
Undeterred, Arsenijević vowed, „Do you think we’ll ever give up? We won’t. No matter how much you oppress us, we will stand tall and fight for our rights, which are guaranteed by the Constitution and international conventions you violate.“
Vokrri briefly interrupted his interview to ask which rights Arsenijević referred to, inviting him for coffee in South Mitrovica, to which Arsenijević retorted, „I don’t drink coffee with just anyone.“
When Arsenijević questioned whether he would be safe if he crossed into the southern part of the city, Vokrri assured him he would be. However, the police eventually stopped Arsenijević from journeying into South Mitrovica.
Heated Debate on Rights
The exchange between the two men escalated into a broader debate on the respect for rights in the region. Arsenijević accused the government of violating agreements, pointing to the removal of a Serbian flag, which he claimed was allowed under Article 59.
Vokrri told Arsenijević: „You can put your flag somewhere else,“ prompting the Serbian leader to call on witnesses to remember the exchange.
„You’ve broken everything—Brussels, everything. You’ve broken our arms and legs, but you won’t take away the little voice we have left,“ Arsenijević declared, to which Vokrri responded, „That’s not true, we endure citizens like you.“
As Arsenijević resumed blowing his whistle, tensions remained high. Despite his insistence on joining Vokrri in the southern part of the city, police prevented him from doing so.
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