Pasalic on the deportation of the abbot: Pressure on the Serbian Orthodox Church is not accidental; it is the stronghold of the survival of the Serbs in Kosovo

The Protector of Citizens of Serbia, Zoran Pasalic, stated that it was necessary for Pristina to provide an explanation for the deportation of the Abbot of the Devina Voda Monastery, Archimandrite Fotije, from Kosovo. This is to determine whether it was due to someone's "ill will" or if there was a genuine argument for such actions. Pasalic calls for the involvement of the international community in the whole case and reminds that in recent decades, there have been several attacks and pressures from Pristina on the Serbian Orthodox Church, as it is one of the main pillars of the survival of the Serbs in Kosovo.

He emphasizes that the relevant institutions in Serbia will react, and the same is expected from international bodies if it is proven that the deportation of Abbot Fotije was unjustified.

"It is very important for us to have that document and see what is stated in the explanation. If someone is deported from a territory without a significant or substantial reason, which is known, not only according to local regulations but also according to international standards, then the question arises as to whether it is someone's ill will or if there is genuine reasoning. In any case, we will react to this," Pasalic said to Kosovo Online.

It will be determined whether this is an isolated case or another form of pressure on the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo when Pristina provides the reasons for the deportation, according to Pasalic.

However, he doesn't rule out the possibility of further pressure of this kind on the clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

"The essence is if this systematically starts happening to members of the SOC, regardless of their status or rank, then we will have the impression that this is pressure being exerted. We must be completely honest and say that this is not the only case. For decades, you have witnesses speaking about pressure on the Orthodox Church in Kosovo and Metohija. We all know the reasons well because the SOC represents a significant pillar for the citizens of Serbia to maintain their presence in Kosovo," Pasalic pointed out.

He assesses that the deportation of Father Fotije can be seen as a provocation for the Serbs and appeals to the Serbs to remain calm.

"I appeal for peace, to simply prevent a reaction that would not be in favor of the citizens of Serbian nationality in Kosovo. Because, then the possibility might arise that such provocations continue with the aim of provoking a reaction from the international community, which would not be good for the citizens of Serbian nationality in Kosovo," he said.

According to him, the Ombudsman will do everything to persuade the international community to react.

"What's in front of the Ombudsman is contact, once again, for the umpteenth time with the international community to make them do what they must, what they have ratified in documents of international importance, which apply to each individual country. That's why we insist on constantly informing the international community about the position of the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, including the members of the Serbian Orthodox Church," Pasalic pointed out.

However, he recalls that the international community has not shown interest in implementing what it committed to and has, in many cases, turned a deaf ear to the demands of the Serbs.

"On 106 occasions, we have only sent requests to examine the position of Serbian prisoners in Kosovo and we have not yet received a response and a reaction, which has really never happened before to the institution of the Ombudsman. Meanwhile, this institution and Serbian authorities have responded countless times when human rights were endangered in other countries and territories," Pasalic said.

The only way to expect some reaction and concrete action that would prevent the situation of the Serbs and the SOC in Kosovo and Metohija is to continually inform international institutions, he says.

According to him, the Kosovo authorities are primarily responsible for protecting the members of the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Serbian community.

"The authorities in Kosovo and Metohija are responsible for the protection and security of all citizens in Kosovo. If they fail to do that, then it is clear who the next instance is, and there is absolutely no dilemma. Because if in any country the state itself does not protect members of certain groups or the population is endangered, then the international community must act," Pasalic concluded.