The deputy head of the Serb Democracy party (Srpska demokratija), Stefan Veljković, filed a complaint today with the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (PIK) following an incident involving the security detail of Kosovo’s acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla during his visit to North Mitrovica, as well as Veljković’s subsequent arrest.
The incident occurred yesterday on the main promenade in North Mitrovica, in front of an Albanian-owned establishment where Minister Sveçla, Kosovo Police Director Gazmend Hoxha, and Deputy Commander for the North Region, Veton Elshani, were present.
Veljković, protesting the minister’s presence by blowing a whistle, was removed from the area by plainclothes officers and then forcefully shoved by a member of Sveçla’s security, resulting reportedly in an injury to his lip. Veljković continued his protest by chanting „Ua,“ before being pushed again by another individual in civilian clothes.
He was detained shortly after Sveçla left the location.
Later in the evening, KP Deputy Commander for the North, Veton Elshani, confirmed to KoSSev that Veljković had been released with a misdemeanor citation for “disobeying lawful police orders.”
PIK Complaint and Medical Evidence
A day later, Serb Democracy issued a statement confirming that Veljković had filed a complaint with PIK.
According to the party, the incident constituted an unprovoked assault and unlawful arrest.
„Veljković submitted a complaint to the Kosovo Police Inspectorate regarding yesterday’s assault by the minister’s security personnel — followed by a harsh and unfounded arrest,“ the statement reads.
Veljković provided PIK with medical documentation indicating minor physical injuries — including trauma to his neck and shoulders, a split lip, and what the party describes as a stress response triggered by the arrest procedure.
The party claims he was hit, shoved, handcuffed, and subjected to excessive force that included bending his neck, reportedly causing him to briefly lose consciousness due to lack of air. Video footage allegedly supporting these claims was also submitted to PIK.
Alleged Verbal Abuse by Police Officers
Serb Democracy further alleges that Veljković was subjected to verbal abuse by some officers during the intervention.
Reported statements include:
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“Go to Serbia to do that.”
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“There is no democracy here.”
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“You want your law to return. Never again,” allegedly said by a police officer inside the station, to which Veljković replied, “Which law?” and was told: “You know which.”
The party called on PIK to investigate the actions of the officers involved and remove those who, as they put it, „undermine the reputation of the Kosovo Police among the Serb population.“
They also appealed to international organizations and embassies to “exert pressure on Kosovo institutions to halt police repression against the Serb and other non-Albanian communities.”
“No amount of pressure, arrests, or beatings of Serb Democracy officials will deter us from defending our people against the discriminatory and ultranationalist policies of the Kosovo government,” the party concluded.
SD Vice President Stefan Veljković Detained and Released After Protest Incident in North Mitrovica
Kosovo PM and Three Ministers Visit North; Opposition Politician Detained During Protest
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