Djuric condemns detention order for Serbs from Gracanica: A draconian and politically motivated decision

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric condemned the decision to impose one-month detention on seven Serbs from Gracanica, assessing the measure as draconian and politically motivated.

“We strongly condemn the draconian and politically motivated decision to impose one-month detention on Serbian representatives from Gracanica, including the heads of key Serbian healthcare and educational institutions serving the local community,” Djuric wrote on the social media platform X.

He stressed that the move comes in the context of “clear efforts by the regime in Pristina to intimidate the Serbian population and shape the political environment ahead of the upcoming elections in favor of its preferred candidates.”

“Such abuse of institutional and judicial mechanisms not only undermines fundamental rights and democratic standards, but also directly threatens the functioning of vital institutions upon which the Serbian community depends,” Djuric stated.

The Basic Court in Pristina ordered detention of up to one month for seven Serbs, directors of healthcare and educational institutions in Gracanica, suspected of the criminal offense of “violating the free will of voters.”