Concerns over political pressure and interference targeting Serb voters in Kosovo have intensified following the arrest of seven individuals suspected of violating the right to free voting.
Judicial institutions are investigating allegations of intimidation, pressure and blackmail aimed at influencing Serb citizens to support Srpska Lista.
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that members of the Serb community are facing ongoing threats and coercion, describing the situation as one of the most serious forms of political interference in recent years.
According to Kurti, Serbia continues attempting to maintain political and institutional influence in Kosovo through structures that seek to create what he described as “state dualisms” inside the country.
Kurti stressed that the arrests are not related to ethnicity, but to suspicions regarding illegal actions and interference in democratic processes, adding that Kosovo’s judiciary and prosecution authorities have the government’s full support in enforcing the rule of law.
Political analyst Sadik Zeqiri argued that pressure against Serb voters who do not support Srpska Lista originates directly from political structures in Belgrade.
Meanwhile, Kosovo Democratic Institute emphasized that any form of pressure or coercion aimed at influencing voters constitutes a criminal offense under Kosovo law.
According to KDI representative Vullnet Bugaqku, individuals found guilty of pressuring or threatening voters can face prison sentences ranging from one to five years.
RTK reported, citing the Basic Prosecution in Prishtina, that the seven arrested individuals hold leadership positions in educational institutions and medical centers, while one of them is also a municipal assembly member in Graçanica.
The prosecution stated that, within the legal deadline, authorities will consider imposing security measures against the suspects.
