Djuric condemns removal of Cyrillic inscription in North Mitrovica: Deliberate incitement of hatred and religious intolerance

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric condemned the removal of the inscription “I love K. Mitrovica” in Cyrillic in North Mitrovica, stressing that it represents a deliberate provocation that incites ethnic and religious hatred, discriminates against the Serbian community, and constitutes an open attack on its identity and faith.

“The forceful removal of the name sign for the city of Kosovska Mitrovica/North Mitrovica in Serbian language in the very heart of this Serb majority community by Kurti’s apartheid regime is not a neutral administrative act, but a deliberate provocation that instigates ethnic and religious hatred. Such a move is a clear expression of systemic discrimination against the Serbian people in Kosovska Mitrovica/Mitrovicë.,” Djuric stated on the social network X.

He added that the replacement of the red heart with a green one is equally troubling, as it sends a direct message to the Christian community in Mitrovica. He assessed that this is not only a symbolic erasure of language and identity, but also an open act of religious intolerance.

“This decision is profoundly undemocratic, against the will of the local community, contrary to the principles of multiculturalism, tolerance, and respect for diversity which Kosovo’s provisional institutions claim to uphold. By targeting the identity of one community, they reveal disregard for the rule of law and contempt for European values of equality and human dignity,” the minister emphasized.

Djuric further stated that Serbia calls on international partners to respond to such discriminatory practices that endanger fragile peace and further marginalize the Serbian people in Kosovo.

“Instead of encouraging reconciliation and coexistence, such actions deepen divisions and spread mistrust. Serbia will continue to consistently advocate for the protection of the rights, culture, and dignity of its people in Kosovo and Metohija and will not remain silent in the face of such blatant attempts to erase their identity and faith,” Djuric wrote.