Stones, Clashes With the Police Cordon and Traffic Blockages: Kosovo Police Report Two Detained

Kosovo Police has announced that it has taken stepped-up security measures in Pristina and other cities in the country, following citizens’ gatherings linked to the announcement of the Special Court’s verdict in The Hague against the former KLA leaders.

According to the Police, preparations for the smooth conduct of the gatherings began on the evening of September 15, while thousands of citizens gathered in the main squares of the capital and other cities.

The Police said the measures were aimed at preserving public order and safety, protecting life and property, and managing road traffic.

After the verdict was announced, citizens in various regions expressed their dissatisfaction in different forms. Some of the protesters from Pristina’s squares headed toward the former EULEX building and then toward the base of this mission.

According to the police statement, the protesters tried by force to break through the EULEX perimeters. During the protest, several people threw various objects and hard items toward the perimeters and the building, and also tried to cross the police cordon.

Due to the large number of participants, who had also come from other parts of Kosovo, traffic was temporarily blocked in the direction of the Fushë Kosovë–Pristina road.

Then, some of the protesters continued toward the Kosovo Government building. The Police said the protest was initially calm, but from time to time there were attempts to cross the perimeters and the police cordon, and hard items were thrown toward the building.

Among the protesters, according to the Police, there were also masked persons who threw stones. The statement notes that several other participants reacted against these acts.

“Kosovo Police, with the aim of preserving public order and safety, providing safety for the participants themselves and protecting life and property, has continuously asked participants to protest peacefully and not to attempt to damage or enter the perimeters of buildings,” the statement says.

As a result of the situation, police officers took stepped-up measures to prevent incidents, block protesters from entering buildings and bring the situation under control.

The Police said two people were taken to a police station. By decision of the prosecutor, one of them was given a 48-hour detention measure, while the other person was released in regular procedure.

Also, due to the protests, the Police temporarily interrupted traffic on the Pristina–Fushë Kosovë road and on “Bill Clinton” street, directing traffic to alternative routes.

Finally, Kosovo Police called on citizens and participants still at the gathering to express their dissatisfaction peacefully, respect the instructions of police officers and contribute to the activities being conducted safely.

Source: Telegrafi