The Eparchy of Raska and Prizren is filing an appeal against the decision to deport Abbot Fotije

The Eparchy of Raska and Prizren will file an appeal against the decision of the Kosovo authorities to deport the abbot of the Devine Vode Monastery near Zvecan, Kosovo Online learns.

According to the legal team of the Eparchy of Raska and Prizren, they view this as an arbitrary ban on Abbot Fotije's stay since there is no indictment or criminal responsibility involved.

During the deportation, Kosovo Police explicitly refused to provide any explanation to representatives of both EULEX and the OSCE, even though they were witnesses to the deportation.

Regarding the deportation of the abbot, so far, only EULEX has issued a statement among international organizations.

"In line with its comprehensive mandate for oversight, EULEX closely monitors selected rule of law institutions in Kosovo and their compliance with legal, procedural, and human rights obligations. EULEX is carefully and resolutely monitoring the case you mention. For further information, please contact the Kosovo authorities," according to EULEX's response for Kosovo Online.

Furthermore, according to the law in force in Kosovo, there should be "no arbitrary ban on entering Kosovo or staying in Kosovo for priests, candidates for the priesthood, monks, nuns, and visitors“.