Protest over arrests in North Mitrovica, Veljkovic: Kurti is implementing apartheid against Serbs

A group of citizens gathered in front of the police station in North Mitrovica to protest the detention of six fellow residents. One of the demonstrators, the vice president of Serbian Democracy, Stefan Veljkovic, stated that apartheid against Serbs is taking place in northern Kosovo, which is evident from the arrests that took place last night and today. He emphasized that they will continue to protest until the detained individuals are released.

"We will be here to protest, we will stay here until all six unjustly detained, arrested citizens are freed. We will be a thorn in their side until the police repression, which has been ongoing for some time in northern Kosovo, is stopped. This is apartheid. We have no human rights. Kurti’s government treats us like cattle," Veljkovic said.

He explained that this is not a political gathering but a civic protest in response to the brutal arrests and beatings of four young men during the night, as well as the detention of Serbian Democracy President Aleksandar Arsenijevic and Vice President Ivan Orlovic.

"We gathered with the citizens to express our protest. Last night's arrest happened supposedly because one of the young men allegedly insulted a police officer, yet just a moment ago, we saw how one of the police officers cursed our mothers under his breath. I was close to him," Veljkovic said.

In the meantime, Arsenijevic and Orlovic have been released after being fined.

They were detained for blowing whistles while Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, accompanied by a large number of Kosovo police officers, was visiting North Mitrovica along with the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Local Government, Xhelal Sveçla and Albert Krasniqi.