UNMIK/PR/1555
PRISTINA – Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Kosovo (SRSG) Søren Jessen-Petersen has strongly condemned the incident in the village of Krushe e Vogel/Mala Krusa in Prizren Municipality today, where two Serbian members of a defence team accredited to the ICTY and escorted by Police, were attacked by villagers.
“I am outraged and disappointed at this incident. It is important for the people of Kosovo to understand that their quest for justice can only be achieved through the course of justice, not by extra-judicial means. This requires, first and foremost, that there should be respect for the rule of law,” the SRSG said.
“I understand that there will always be emotions involved in such situations. However, actions like this work against the future that we all want for Kosovo. As Kosovo goes through the status process, this is the time when all its people have to define the parameters for a democratic, multi-ethnic and rule of law based society. At this crucial time, their every action has a bearing on the future of Kosovo,” he added.
According to an UNMIK Police report, at approximately 10:00 hours today in the village of Krushe e Vogel/Mala Krusa, a group of villagers blocked the road in front of a convoy of UNMIK Police officers supported by one KPS Regional Operations Support Unit (ROSU) that was escorting the two members of the defence team.
Police officers attempted to clear the road peacefully, but the citizens responded by throwing rocks at the Police and the convoy. Three Police officers and one language assistant were injured in the attack. Police then had to clear the crowd, unfortunately resulting in injuries to a number of citizens who received medical treatment from an ambulance at the scene.
UNMIK Police Commissioner Kai Vittrup has initiated an investigation of the incident and action taken by the Police. In this connection, the Police Commissioner will also meet with villagers following their request.