The Director of the Kosovo Police, Gazmend Hoxha, in a press conference held on May 25, addressed the incident in northern Mitrovica, where a Kosovo police officer is being pursued by Serbia under allegations of physically assaulting a Serb high school graduate during their graduation parade on May 23.
Hoxha firmly denied the allegations, stating:
“There were no signs of violence on the student’s neck. What was portrayed in the media as blood was simply marker ink, which the student himself confirmed in a police statement given in the presence of his parent.”
He emphasized that such markings are part of a graduation tradition, where students color each other during their celebrations.
Serbia’s Arrest Warrant & Police Response
Hoxha said that Serbia’s decision to issue an arrest warrant is part of its ongoing campaign to persecute Kosovo Police officers. He also revealed that the police officer involved had received death threats via social media, and for safety reasons, has now been transferred to South Mitrovica to avoid any potential incidents.
Meanwhile, Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić said the arrest warrant will not be revoked, and the officer will be detained “whenever possible.”
Kosovo’s Government Reacts
Kosovo’s Acting Minister of the Interior, Xhelal Sveçla, labeled Serbia’s claims as propaganda, asserting that the Kosovo Police acted lawfully and professionally.
