In a move that has sparked concerns across Kosovo, Serbia has started distributing keys for newly built apartments in the municipality of Zubin Potok, a Serb-majority region in Northern Kosovo. The process, which began two days ago in Raška, is reportedly benefiting individuals connected to the controversial “Civil Protection” group, which has been implicated in violent incidents and designated a terrorist organization by the Kosovo government.
The apartments, constructed with funds from the Serbian government, are being allocated to local Serbs in the area, many of whom are suspected to have ties to previous violent actions, including attacks on Kosovo police and involvement in barricades erected in the north. Among the beneficiaries is Milan Božović, a prominent member of the “Civil Protection” group.
The distribution process, managed by Milos Erović—an influential member of the Serbian parallel structures in Zubin Potok—has raised serious concerns about the possible escalation of tensions in the already volatile region. Erović has previously served as a deputy in the Kosovo Assembly through the Serb List, which is aligned with Belgrade.
The distribution is happening during late-night hours, and many recipients, according to reports, are believed to have connections to the violent barricade protests and attacks on Kosovo police forces in the north of Kosovo.
Serb Parallel Structures and the Controversial Role of “Civil Protection” Group
These newly distributed apartments were built as part of a larger project funded by the Serbian government, aimed at supporting the local Serb population in Northern Kosovo. However, local authorities in Kosovo have expressed concerns that the beneficiaries may be linked to groups responsible for fueling ethnic tensions and destabilizing the region.
Izmir Zeqiri, the mayor of Zubin Potok, confirmed the distribution but raised concerns about the involvement of parallel Serbian structures in the process. “We have received information about the distribution of keys during the night. Some citizens have already settled in these apartments. We are investigating the situation and coordinating with our security and technical teams,” Zeqiri stated.
Kosovo authorities are particularly worried about the involvement of members of the “Civil Protection,” a paramilitary group that played a significant role in the 1999 Kosovo War and has been linked to recent unrest. The group’s members have been accused of participating in attacks on Kosovo police forces and organizing protests in the northern part of the country.
Police and Legal Authorities Investigate Potential Implications
Veton Elshani, the deputy director of police for Northern Kosovo, emphasized that police are working closely with prosecutors to understand the situation. “We need to know more about these buildings, who is receiving keys, and what the purpose of this distribution is,” Elshani said. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determined to uncover any illegal activities surrounding the allocation of the apartments.
The construction company behind the apartments, “Rad028,” is owned by Zvonko Veselinović, a known associate of Milan Radojičić, who has been involved in several controversial incidents, including the Banjskë attack in Zvečan.
Implications for Stability in Northern Kosovo
The distribution of these apartments has broader implications for the delicate political and security situation in Northern Kosovo. The involvement of controversial groups like “Civil Protection” and the use of Serbian state funds to build housing for Serbs in this region risks further escalating tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, both politically and militarily.
The situation in Zubin Potok highlights ongoing challenges in the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Despite efforts to mediate peace and cooperation in recent years, actions like these fuel distrust and threaten the stability of the region.
