KPI recommends suspension of two Kosovo Police officers over mistreatment of Nenad Raskovic

The Kosovo Police Inspectorate (KPI) has recommended that the Kosovo Police suspend two officers from the Regional Police Directorate in North Mitrovica on suspicion of the criminal offense of "mistreatment in the exercise of official duties or public authority," in connection with the incident in which Nenad Raskovic, a Serb from the village of Dren, sustained serious injuries.

In its statement, the KPI recalled that several days ago it had initiated a preliminary investigation ex officio to verify the allegations and clarify all relevant facts and circumstances concerning "police actions during the police operation conducted in Dren and Zubin Potok."

It added that the KPI had launched the investigation on the basis of media reports and statements from August 11 concerning allegations made by citizen N.R. against several Kosovo Police officers over the alleged exceeding of police powers.

"As part of this investigation, following investigative actions undertaken to date, the KPI today recommended that the Kosovo Police suspend two officers from the Regional Police Directorate in North Mitrovica on suspicion of the criminal offense of 'mistreatment in the exercise of official duties or public authority.' The KPI Investigation Department will continue to undertake further investigative actions in cooperation with the Basic Prosecution Office in Mitrovica in order to fully clarify all the circumstances and actions of the police officers involved," the statement said.

Nenad Raskovic, a Serb from the village of Dren, was seriously injured on August 11 after, according to his account, he was beaten by Kosovo Police officers.

Seven days ago, he said that three police officers had taken him from his family home, after which they tied him to a tree and beat him while demanding that he hand over a rifle that he did not possess.

Raskovic was admitted to the Clinical Hospital Center "Kosovska Mitrovica," but due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to the Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade for further treatment.