The MFA reacts to the arrest of Behar Preniqi by Serbia, calls on the EU to react loudly

The recent arrest of citizen Behar Preniqi, who was stopped yesterday at the Batrovci border crossing point, on the border between Croatia and Serbia, constitutes another clear evidence of the unacceptable and destructive practices of the Serbian authorities, which are in clear violation of international law and basic standards for the protection of human rights.

The MFA confirms that the Liaison Office of the Republic of Kosovo in Serbia, immediately after contact with the family of Mr. Preniqi, has engaged through diplomatic and official channels to provide accurate and complete information regarding this case.

The Liaison Office has addressed an official request to the Serbian Government authorities to confirm the arrest of Mr. Preniqi and to clarify the reasons for his detention. In addition, the case has been forwarded to the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia as well as to the diplomatic missions of the Quint countries.

In the event that Mr. Preniqi is placed in pre-trial detention and criminal proceedings are initiated, the Liaison Office will take the necessary steps to request an official visit to the place of his detention.

At this stage, the MFA once again calls on all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo to avoid traveling through the territory of Serbia, to ensure their safety and well-being.

We call on the international community to react loudly and decisively to Serbia’s repressive practices, which are contrary to the fundamental principles of international law and international human rights conventions.