Kurti: Anyone who breaks the law will be detained – The case of Igor Popovic is no exception

Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, stated today that the rule of law is the foundation of Kosovo and that anyone who breaks the law and order will be detained, emphasizing that the case of Igor Popovic is no exception.

"The case of Igor Popovic is not an exception. It is in line with all human rights standards. The statements made by the President of Serbia, Vucic, on July 20 are threatening and completely unacceptable. When a president and commander of the armed forces makes such statements, it shows that Serbia is spreading tensions and hate speech in the region. Igor Popovic’s statements also incite hatred and tensions. They pose a danger to safety and security in the Balkans because they come from officials who control the security apparatus," Kurti said.

He stressed that Kosovo will not tolerate hate speech.

"Today, Serbia has not apologized because it is trying to deny victims and is doing so in alliance with the Russian Federation. They are trying to rewrite history and interfere in Kosovo’s internal affairs through security procedures. Their ongoing destabilization strategies will receive an appropriate response. The leader of our northern neighbor not only organizes and supports such activities but also instrumentalizes terrorist groups. I remind you that the September 24 attack in Banjska was led by a main criminal and close associate of Vucic, followed by the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal and continued threats from Serbian state officials," said Kurti.

Kurti called on Kosovo citizens to avoid traveling through Serbia, citing signs of possible provocations.

"Kosovo demands the extradition of Radoicic and other members of this terrorist group, but the President of Serbia does not intend to extradite them. Kosovo will not tolerate any form of normalization of hate speech. We are not afraid of Vucic’s rhetoric; we defend the law, order, and our democracy. Vucic may speak with Milosevic-like rhetoric in Serbia, but such times will never return to Kosovo. To endanger a people and a state, they send an official like Igor Popovic to spread division—that is the true face of Serbia. We call on all citizens of Kosovo to avoid traveling to Serbian territory because we have information that they may be at risk. We urge citizens to remain calm, preserve unity and peace. I call on the EU, NATO, and the international community to respond decisively to Vucic’s threats—these are not just statements, but part of a well-organized campaign to provoke Kosovo," Kurti said.

On Kosovo Police

"Kosovo police officers serve all citizens equally. Citizens in the North have found employment through government measures in the four northern municipalities of our Republic. The process of diploma verification is ongoing to facilitate the employment of members of the Serbian community, and 430 such diplomas have been verified so far. Once again, we affirm that despite threats, the Republic of Kosovo will succeed in preserving the sovereignty of the state, the legal order, peace, and security," Kurti said.

On the Assembly

Kurti also spoke about the political crisis in Kosovo, noting that tomorrow marks four years and three months since he took office as Prime Minister.

"We still do not have an Assembly, and we hope for an agreement. No party has as many votes as Self-Determination. It is necessary for everyone to come to an agreement; electing the president is only one part of that process. Everyone should vote, but here we are, for the 50th time, unable to agree. It is legitimate to vote against, but if you don’t vote at all, you are breaking the law. The Constitutional Court did not specify what happens if the 30-day deadline for constituting the Assembly expires. The answer is not the court—it is an agreement between parties. Right now, I don’t know what will happen. No one knows," Kurti concluded.