Kosovo police (Beta/archive/Armenija Zajmi Besevic)
In the morning of May 29, several thousand Serbs rallied in front of the Zvecan municipal headquarters, in northern Kosovo, to demand the withdrawal of Kosovo Police from the area and the departure of the new, ethnically-Albanian local government, which was chosen in the recent elections boycotted by nearly the entire Serb population of Kosovo. The protest began peacefully but soon escalated.
The incident took place as KFOR was allowing Serb employees to enter the municipal offices, and ended in Kosovo Police using tear gas on the gathering – with the employees caught in the middle. Soon after, the police retreated into the building, around which KFOR – armed with assault rifles and riot gear – has set up a protective perimeter.
The Zvecan protesters are demanding that the Kosovo Police leave the municipal building, while calling out “Leave! Leave!” and “This is Serbia!”
As Serbs have rallied in Leposavic, Zubin Potok and Zvecan, the Kosovo Police Force has stated that it recognizes the people’s right to peaceful protests but that the police are obligated to protect public order and peace.
The Kosovo Police went on to say that the Zvecan protesters became violent, attempting to penetrate the security perimeter and enter the municipal offices, so the police were forced to use tear gas.
Kosovo Police Special Forces have been stationed at all major intersections in Kosovo’s north, while schools are closed down.
In response to the events, Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Ivica Dacic said that the situation in Kosovo and Metohija is a result of Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti constantly fomenting tensions, while the international community works to de-escalate. Dacic added that the Serbian Army is on stand-by and will protect the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija if necessary.
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