Djuric: Indictment against 11 Serbs is a blow to the Serbian people and a provocation toward the international community

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that the decision by Kosovo’s Special Prosecution to file indictments against 11 Serbs, for their alleged involvement in the 2022 barricades, constitutes an open political persecution and yet another attempt to intimidate the Serbian population—while also serving as a provocation by Albin Kurti’s regime toward the international community.

“This move is not only legally unfounded but also directly contradicts the joint statement of the European Union and the U.S. State Department from December 2022, based on which the barricades were removed under international guarantees that no repressive measures would be taken against participants. With this act, Pristina directly undermines the credibility of the EU as a mediator and blatantly violates the spirit of de-escalation established at that time,” said Djuric. 

In his statement, he emphasized that this is not only an attack on the Serbian people but also another provocation by Kurti’s regime aimed at the international community—another “poke in the eye” of the international community—accompanied by legal violence against Serbs. 

This approach, he noted, shows open disregard for the agreements reached and essentially prevents any progress in the dialogue. 

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia stresses that such actions represent a flagrant violation of basic human rights and provoke new ethnic tensions, directly threatening the stability and security of the region. Serbs, who peacefully stood up for their legitimate rights—compelled to do so by the unilateral actions of Kurti’s regime—are now being treated as criminals. This sets a dangerous precedent and signals that Kurti’s regime is systematically working to continue ethnic cleansing. Regardless of the motives behind such actions—whether stemming from internal political instability, institutional paralysis, electoral interests, or attempts to undermine Serbia’s position internationally—these actions must not go unanswered,” Djuric stressed.

He called on all relevant international institutions, particularly those with mandates in Kosovo—and especially those who signed the joint statement from December 2022—to respond urgently and defend the fundamental rights of the Serbian people.

“It is imperative to immediately halt the unilateral actions of Kurti’s government and return to genuine dialogue as the only sustainable path toward peace and stability. Serbia will continue to strongly support the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, using all diplomatic and legal means to protect their rights. We will not remain silent in the face of institutional violence and attempts at ethnic cleansing,” Minister Djuric concluded.