The German Embassy in Kosovo has issued a statement calling on Serbian authorities to promptly investigate the credibility of the charges against Arbnor Spahiu, a former member of Kosovo’s Special Police Unit, who was arrested by Serbia on June 7 at the Hungary-Serbia border while traveling back from Austria. Kosovo’s institutions have alerted QUINT countries and the entire diplomatic corps, with regular communication ongoing with the German Embassy, since Spahiu resides in Germany.
In a statement, the German Embassy confirmed these communications and urged Serbia to ensure full adherence to legal standards in handling the case. “We expect Serbian authorities to thoroughly and quickly investigate the credibility of the accusations against Mr. Spahiu and of course to guarantee respect for all legal standards during this process,” the Embassy stated. Serbian authorities have accused Spahiu of “aggravated murder” in connection with the Banjska attack of September 2023. However, Kosovo Police have confirmed that Spahiu voluntarily resigned from the force in 2022, indicating he was not an active officer at the time of the incident. Spahiu was sentenced to 30 days of pre-trial detention by the High Court in Subotica. His arrest has sparked strong reactions from Kosovo leaders.
President Vjosa Osmani condemned Serbia’s actions as “chauvinistic” and reminiscent of the 1990s repression, warning that such behavior threatens the dialogue process: “These violations of human rights by Serbia must not be ignored,” she said, urging a strong response from QUINT states and the EU Mission. Outgoing PM Albin Kurti described Serbia’s behavior as “abnormal” and reaffirmed Kosovo’s full institutional engagement in seeking Spahiu’s release: “Serbia’s abnormal conduct towards citizens of the Republic of Kosovo must not and will not be normalized.” Spahiu’s family and public advocates have demanded swift international intervention, and Kosovo’s Liaison Office in Belgrade is in ongoing coordination with foreign diplomats regarding the case.
