Djuric: Indictments against 11 Serbs because of barricades in Kosovo represent political persecution

Photo: MSP

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric has pointed out that the decision of the Kosovo Prosecutor's Office to bring charges against 11 Serbs "for alleged participation in the barricades in 2022" represents open political persecution and another in a series of attempts to intimidate the Serb population in Kosovo and Metohija.

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"That move is not only legally unfounded, but also directly contradicts the joint statement by the European Union and the US State Department from December 2022, based on which the barricades were removed with international guarantees that there would be no oppressive measures against the participants. With this act, Pristina directly undermines the credibility of the EU as a mediator and brutally violates the spirit of deescalation that was established at that time.

This is not only a blow to the Serb people, but also another provocation by Kurti's regime towards the international community - another 'poke in the eye' of the international community, along with the simultaneous legal violence against the Serbs. Such an approach shows open disregard for the agreements reached and essentially prevents progress in the dialogue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia indicates that such actions flagrantly violate basic human rights and cause more ethnic tensions, which directly threaten the stability and security of the region. Serbs, who peacefully fought for their legitimate rights, which they were forced to do because of the Kurti regime's unilateral moves, are now treated as criminals, which represents a dangerous precedent and a signal that Kurti's regime is systematically working to continue the ethnic cleansing.

Regardless of the reasons behind such moves - be it internal political instability, institutional paralysis, electoral interests or attempts to undermine Serbia's position in the international community - they must not be allowed to remain unanswered.

We call on all relevant international institutions, especially those with a mandate in the Province, and above all those whose signature is on the joint statement from December 2022, to react urgently and stand up for the elementary rights of the Serb people.

There is an urgent need to stop the Kurti government's unilateral moves and return to substantive dialogue as the only viable path to peace and stability.

The Republic of Serbia will continue to provide strong support to the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, using all diplomatic and legal means to protect their rights. We will not remain silent about institutional violence and attempts at ethnic cleansing," Djuric stated.

(Telegraf.rs)