started · updated
Gazivode Lake: Demolition of Serbian-owned structures begins
Demolitions of structures on the shores of Gazivode Lake have commenced following a deadline set by the enterprise Ibar-Lepenac. The company claims the buildings were constructed on land belonging to the enterprise. To date, approximately 17 structures owned by Serbs have been demolished in the area.
Kosovo Police have been deployed to the site, including blocking access to the village of Rezala to prevent media coverage of the operations. The police stated they are assisting the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure. The Office for Kosovo and Metohija has condemned the actions as illegal and a violation of Serbian rights, suggesting that the international community's previous condemnations have lacked effective follow-up.
Legal experts note that because Kosovo is not a member of the Council of Europe, residents have limited legal recourse, with the Kosovo Constitutional Court serving as the final instance. While some owners have initiated lawsuits against the director of Ibar-Lepenac, courts have so far rejected requests for temporary measures to halt the demolitions.
Entities
Albin Kurti · Faruk Mujke · Gazivode Lake · Ibar-Lepenac · Kosovo Police · Office for Kosovo and Metohija
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Office for Kosovo and Metohija claims the demolition of Serbian property at Gazivode Lake is illegal and violent. radiomitrovicasever.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Courts have rejected requests for temporary measures to prevent the demolition of the structures. lat.sputnikportal.rs · vreme.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The demolition process was initiated following an August 18 deadline set by Ibar-Lepenac. lat.sputnikportal.rs · vreme.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kosovo Police confirmed they are assisting the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure during the demolition. vreme.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Legal expert Dragutin Nenezić stated that Serbs in Kosovo can only protect their property rights through Kosovo's own institutions. www.danas.rs
- [● 2 SOURCES] A total of 17 structures owned by Serbs have been demolished at Gazivode Lake to date. lat.sputnikportal.rs · vreme.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The company Ibar-Lepenac claims the structures were built on land belonging to the enterprise. lat.sputnikportal.rs · vreme.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Kosovo Police blocked access to the village of Rezala, preventing media from filming the demolitions. radiomitrovicasever.com · vreme.com