Radosavljevic: I have previously experienced unpleasantness at the Bistrica checkpoint, which is why I was recording

The director of the organization "New Social Initiative," Jovana Radosavljevic, stated after giving her statement at the police station in Zvecan that she had turned on her phone camera while crossing the Bistrica Bridge for her own safety, noting that she had previously experienced unpleasant encounters at the Kosovo Police checkpoint located on the bridge.

“Today, at the Bistrica Bridge checkpoint, I was stopped by regular police for a routine check, but they detained me for over an hour at the same location because my camera was recording. The reason I always record while crossing the Bistrica checkpoint is due to previous unpleasant experiences with the special unit of the Kosovo Police. Recording makes me feel safer during the crossing,” she emphasized.

She further explained that a police officer questioned her about why she was recording and asked her to turn off her phone, which she refused. After about half an hour, plainclothes officers arrived and demanded that she park her vehicle and step out.

“They gave me false information and asked me to hand over my phone, even though they did not have a court order, which I pointed out to them. They claimed they could confiscate the phone without it. I refused regardless, and I must emphasize that they did not show identification, so I do not know which officers were involved. After waiting, they told me to follow a police vehicle to the station in Zvecan, where I gave my statement,” Radosavljevic said.

She noted that giving the statement was a more pleasant experience than the events at the Bistrica Bridge and that she was informed she did not need a lawyer because the issue was not a criminal offense but a misdemeanor.

“This is very concerning. Even though there is a no-recording sign, we are talking about a location in a public space where I have often felt uncomfortable, especially when alone in the car or during nighttime,” Radosavljevic said.

She added that the repression and behavior of the Kosovo Police is an issue highlighted by civil society activists and citizens.

“There is a significant problem with their treatment of residents in the north, primarily because they do not speak the language of the local community, fail to provide adequate information, and residents often do not know their rights. This is something they frequently exploit, as almost happened in my case when they asked me to hand over my phone. The question arises about the existence of the checkpoint at Bistrica and the prohibition of recording, especially since yesterday media crews accompanied the Minister of Interior at the same location, but I was detained today for the same reason,” Radosavljevic concluded.