Serb List on works near Visoki Decani: Dangerous message that the rights of the Serbian Orthodox Church can be disregarded without consequences

The Serb List stated that it strongly opposes the new construction works being carried out within the Special Protective Zone of Visoki Decani Monastery, stressing that any activity undertaken contrary to the law and the procedures established for the protection of this invaluable spiritual and cultural heritage site constitutes a direct violation of the rule of law and further endangers the security and preservation of the Serbian Orthodox Church's heritage in Kosovo.

"It is particularly concerning that, instead of the consistent implementation of the Law on Special Protective Zones, the practice of unilateral actions continues, undermining the very mechanisms established to safeguard Serbian holy sites. Such an approach sends a dangerous message that the law does not apply equally to everyone and that the rights of the Serbian Orthodox Church can be disregarded without consequences," the Serb List said in a statement.

The party said it fully shares the concerns expressed by the Raska-Prizren Diocese that such actions undermine confidence in the institutional protection of Visoki Decani Monastery, which has been targeted by attacks on several occasions over the past decades and represents a cultural and spiritual treasure of global significance.

"We call on all competent institutions, as well as international representatives who serve as guarantors of the implementation of the existing legal mechanisms, to respond urgently, halt all activities that are inconsistent with the Special Protective Zone regime, and ensure the consistent enforcement of the law. Kurti is seeking to render meaningless all mechanisms designed to protect the rights of the Serbian people, including those backed by international guarantees, through unilateral actions. We therefore call on international representatives to react without delay and stop the unlawful works that threaten this holy site," the statement said.