US Embassy on police operation at Gazimestan: We call for adherence with Kosovo's laws and Constitution

The US Embassy in Pristina, commenting on the Kosovo Police operation during the Vidovdan commemoration at Gazimestan, called for respect for Kosovo's laws and Constitution by both citizens and institutions.

"We support and call for adherence with Kosovo's laws and Constitution, by its citizens and institutions," the US Embassy in Pristina said in a response to Kosovo Online.

Earlier, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo said it had monitored developments during the Vidovdan commemoration through its regular observation activities and engagement with partners and institutions. It added that it had reminded the relevant authorities of the need for security measures to be appropriate, proportionate, and fully consistent with human rights and fundamental freedoms, in accordance with the legal framework.

EULEX also told Kosovo Online that it had been monitoring, and continues to monitor, the activities carried out by the Kosovo authorities in connection with yesterday's Vidovdan commemoration. Asked whether the Kosovo Police had exceeded their authority during the operation at Gazimestan, EULEX said that if its monitoring identifies any serious shortcomings, it will bring them to the attention of the competent authorities.

Following the memorial service at Gazimestan yesterday, the Kosovo Police detained several dozen people who had attended the Vidovdan commemoration, including one minor.

A hearing is currently underway at the Basic Court in Pristina, and misdemeanor proceedings have been initiated against the detained Serbs.