The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo (MPJD) has called on Serbia to end its practice of using the justice system as a tool for political pressure, following the release of former Kosovo police officer Arbnor Spahiu from pre-trial detention.
Spahiu was released on Friday after being held for five months in Serbian custody, under accusations of “aggravated murder” related to the 2023 Banjska attack. According to MPJD, the charges were politically motivated, unsupported by evidence, and his extended detention represented a violation of the right to due process and fair treatment.
The Banjska incident occurred when a group of heavily armed Serbian paramilitaries attacked Kosovo Police, resulting in the death of three attackers and the wounding of three others. While over 40 suspects have been indicted in Kosovo, Serbia has failed to prosecute any of the perpetrators, including Milan Radoičić, who publicly claimed responsibility for leading the attack.
Spahiu was arrested in June at the Serbia–Hungary border and accused of killing members of the terrorist group involved in Banjska — accusations which MPJD says were unfounded and politically driven.
In its statement, the ministry said that Spahiu’s release “clearly confirms that Serbia’s claims were baseless”, adding that the politically motivated use of judicial processes against Kosovo citizens must stop.
MPJD also expressed gratitude to domestic and international institutions that contributed to ensuring fair treatment in the case and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting every Kosovo citizen abroad.
Following his release, Spahiu wrote on Facebook that he had been “unjustly arrested since June 7”, describing the accusations as part of a “completely political and unjust process”. He thanked everyone who supported him, saying he feels “stronger than ever.”
Acting Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla had repeatedly demanded Spahiu’s release, including during her address at the UN Security Council.
