Serbia initiates four criminal cases against Kosovo citizens at border

Serbian authorities have opened four criminal procedures against Kosovar nationals arrested while crossing the Serbia‑Kosovo border. The cases are related to alleged war‑crime offences. The latest arrest involves Osman Selmani in the village of Mutivode; Kosovo’s liaison office in Belgrade promptly notified the diplomatic missions of the Quint countries and the European Union about the detention. Kosovo officials have appealed for international pressure on Belgrade to ensure a fair process and the release of the detainee.

Migrant traffic through the Merdare crossing has been affected, with travellers reporting queues of up to nine‑ten hours on July 13. Authorities on both sides say checkpoints have been intensified but the longer waiting times have caused hardship for those seeking to reach Kosovo.

The Serbian court’s decisions have sparked criticism from Kosovo political circles, who argue the prosecutions are politically motivated and violate the rights of Kosovar citizens.