Stefan Veljković, Vice President of the Serbian Democracy party, was briefly detained and later released with a misdemeanor fine today, following an incident with the security detail of Kosovo’s acting Interior Minister, Xhelal Sveçla, during a whistle-blowing protest in North Mitrovica.
The incident occurred on the main pedestrian street, in front of an Albanian-owned café where Minister Sveçla, Kosovo Police Director Gazmend Hoxha, and Deputy Commander for the North Region, Veton Elshani, were present.
Veljković claimed he was physically pushed by members of the minister’s security while attempting to protest. “I was hit in the face. My lip is torn, I was struck in the tooth and jaw. It’s all recorded on my phone,” he told KoSSev, adding that one officer told him: “Go to Serbia and do that.”
His whistle reportedly fell during the scuffle, after which Veljković continued protesting by shouting “Ua.” He was pushed again by another individual in plain clothes and was then detained by police.
Several hours later, Elshani confirmed for KoSSev that Veljković was released but fined for “disobeying lawful orders.” He also confirmed that Veljković had been referred for medical examination and that the report would be submitted to the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (PIK), which will assess whether further action is warranted.
Elshani added that the North Region Police are not authorized to initiate proceedings against the officers involved, as they are not assigned to that region.
Veljković stated he was protesting against what he described as an “anti-Serb policy” of the Kosovo government. “They’re taking homes and land, detaining children, and oppressing our people,” he said.
He expressed doubt that PIK would respond adequately, citing previous complaints filed by his party. “Hope is a subjective thing. We can always hope, but what we see on the ground proves us wrong every time,” Veljković concluded.
Preuzimanje i objavljivanje tekstova sa portala KoSSev nije dozvoljeno bez navođenja izvora. Hvala na poštovanju etike novinarske profesije.
