Serb List: Demolitions must be halted immediately and Serbs’ property rights protected

The continuation of the unlawful demolition of Serbian houses and buildings is aimed at expelling Serbs, the Serb List said in a statement concerning today's demolition of buildings in the village of Rezala on Lake Gazivode, adding that when representatives of the international community fail to respond to such actions, despite numerous cases in which Serbs and their property have been subjected to unilateral measures by the Pristina authorities, such silence can no longer be viewed as neutrality.

“According to information from the ground, the unlawful demolition of Serbian property in the municipality of Zubin Potok, on Lake Gazivode, continued this morning. Among the first buildings demolished was the Holy Trinity village hall in Rezala, which local residents had used for decades for gatherings and celebrations. According to the Kosovo Police, which is assisting the unlawful demolition, a total of six buildings are planned to be demolished today,” the Serb List said in a statement.

As noted, this is not an isolated case, but rather a continuation of the unlawful demolition of Serbian houses and buildings with the aim of expelling Serbs.

“So far, 17 buildings have been demolished in this area. At this point, it is unclear what deserves greater condemnation, the violation of regulations and persecution carried out by Kosovo institutions or the shameful silence of international representatives, who persistently remain silent in the face of actions that endanger the property, fundamental human and collective rights of the Serbian people,” the Serb List said.

They stressed that the Serbian people have every right to perceive the international community's failure to respond as undisguised support for a policy that threatens their rights, survival and property.

“When representatives of the international community fail to respond to such actions, despite numerous cases in which Serbs and their property have been subjected to unilateral measures by the Pristina authorities, such silence can no longer be viewed as neutrality. The Serbian people have every right to perceive it as undisguised support for a policy that threatens their rights, survival and property. It is unacceptable for the standards of the rule of law, protection of private property and human rights to be applied selectively and to apply to everyone except Serbs,” the Serb List said.

They added that international representatives have an obligation to respond clearly and unequivocally and prevent further unilateral actions which, in their assessment, deepen insecurity and fear among the Serbian population.

“The Serb List demands an immediate halt to all further demolitions, full protection of citizens' property rights, and a clear response from international missions and representatives in Kosovo and Metohija. Silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality. Silence in the face of violations of the rights of the Serbian people constitutes support for those who are endangering those rights,” the Serb List said.

This morning, demolition of buildings began in the village of Rezala, located on Lake Gazivode in the territory of the municipality of Zubin Potok. The deadline for their removal, set by the public company Ibar-Lepenac, expired at the end of August.

Also, representatives of the Trepca company entered buildings in Zvecan this morning. Around 20 days ago, they had put up notices ordering that the buildings be vacated because, according to them, they are owned by the company.