OSCE on the removal of Serbian flags in Gracanica: The timing of such actions raises particular concern

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo stated, regarding the removal of Serbian flags in Gracanica, that all regulatory measures related to the display of community symbols must be applied consistently to all communities and without discrimination, and that the timing of such actions, during a period of religious significance for the Serbian community in Kosovo, raises particular concern in terms of sensitivity and proportionality.

As the OSCE Mission in Kosovo noted in a response to Kosovo Online, they are aware of reports regarding the removal of flags in the Gracanica municipality on the eve of Orthodox Easter.

“We are engaging with relevant authorities to establish the full facts and the legal basis for the actions taken,” the OSCE emphasized.

They point out that the Mission stresses that all regulatory measures concerning the display of community symbols must be applied consistently across all communities and without discrimination.

“This should be in full compliance and accordance with Kosovo's constitutional framework, which provides robust protections for community rights, cultural identity, and religious expression. The timing of such actions during a period of religious significance for the Kosovo Serb community raises particular concerns regarding sensitivity and proportionality,” the OSCE response states.

New Serbian flags, which were placed yesterday afternoon in Gracanica ahead of Easter, were removed last night with the assistance of the Kosovo Police. The Mayor of Gracanica, Novak Zivic, stated that this is yet another form of pressure on Serbs.