Kosovo interior minister Xhelal Sveçla vows no compromise after arrests over Reçak massacre

Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla responded to a joint security operation that arrested five suspects suspected of involvement in the 1999 Reçak massacre and one suspect linked to civilian killings in Ponesh. He said the war crimes committed by Serbian police, army and paramilitary units are now being investigated and prosecuted more vigorously than ever, adding “there will be no compromise on war crimes against the population of Kosovo.”

Sveçla praised the Kosovo Police, the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the Kosovo Intelligence Agency for the operation, reiterated that Serbia committed genocide in Kosovo and asserted that anyone who planned, ordered or carried out such crimes must face justice. He noted that the police force’s war‑crimes unit has been strengthened, with its authority raised to director level and personnel doubled, stressing that delivering justice is essential for preserving historical truth, dignity and preventing future atrocities.