Starovic on arrests in North Mitrovica: A level of police occupation unseen anywhere else in Europe

Serbian Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic, commenting on the arrest of Serbian youths in North Mitrovica, stated that it represents a “blatant image of police occupation unlike anything seen elsewhere in modern Europe.”

“A shocking video from North Mitrovica,” Starovic wrote on the social media platform X, sharing footage showing Kosovo police officers arresting a Serbian youth in North Mitrovica, following a concert held as part of the jazz festival.

He noted that Kosovo police are arresting a Serbian young man simply for whistling at the illegitimate Albanian mayor.

“A stark image of police occupation, unseen anywhere else in modern Europe,” Starovic commented.

Earlier today, two persons of Serbian nationality were arrested in North Mitrovica on charges of disturbing public order and peace.

According to Veton Elshani, Deputy Commander of the Kosovo Police for the North Region, one person was fined for verbal assault and released, while the other was detained for up to 48 hours due to issuing threats.

The arrests occurred following a concert organized by Albanian organizers from South Mitrovica, held on the promenade in North Mitrovica as part of the jazz festival. A large number of Serbs had also gathered at the venue in the afternoon, since the “Mitrovica Days” festival, organized by Serbian local businesses, was taking place at the same time.

At one point, North Mitrovica Mayor Erden Atiq appeared, and was booed by the gathered citizens.