Eparchy of Raska–Prizren: Arrests in Suvo Grlo deepen fear and endanger the survival of Serbs

The Eparchy of Raska–Prizren has expressed deep concern over this morning’s arrests of Serbs in the village of Suvo Grlo, stating that the event has caused a “profound shock and unrest” among residents who have lived for decades in conditions of insecurity and isolation. The statement notes that those detained are individuals whom the community knows as “good hosts and family men,” with no prior accusations linking them to the criminal offenses now being attributed to them.

“It is understandable that such arrests create additional insecurity and are perceived as intense pressure. When several people are deprived of their liberty in small villages, fear spreads to the entire community, to families and children, calling their future into question,” the Eparchy stated.
It further points out that Suvo Grlo, Banje, and Crkolez are the only remaining Serbian villages in that part of Kosovo, which have endured thanks to the “courage and perseverance of their residents.” For this reason, it adds, such actions—particularly when carried out using “intimidating methods”—are perceived by the population as a message that threatens their survival.
The Eparchy emphasizes that it does not dispute the need to investigate every war crime but warns of an “atmosphere of collective guilt and selective application of the law.”
“Justice without trust only deepens wounds. Every proceeding must be based on clear and verified facts, with full respect for the presumption of innocence and human dignity. Otherwise, new tensions are created, and the position of the Serbs is further aggravated,” the Eparchy stated.
It called for professional conduct free of “public spectacles” that further intimidate communities and urged international missions to closely monitor developments and their consequences.
“Our communities are not abstract ‘minorities,’ but concrete families striving to live normal lives and remain in their ancestral homes,” the statement reads.
The Eparchy concluded that it stands with its people and will provide spiritual and pastoral support to the families of those arrested, praying “that the truth may be revealed without injustice or bias, and that peace and a life without fear may be restored to the people.”