Prishtina / Leposaviq, January 16, 2026
The Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPK) has concluded that allegations of mistreatment by Kosovo Police officers in Leposaviq were unfounded, and a criminal investigation has now been initiated against the complainant on suspicion of filing a false report.
According to an IPK media statement, investigators were notified shortly before midnight on January 13, 2026, by the Kosovo Police, after an individual claimed he had been mistreated by police officers at a checkpoint near the Bistrica Bridge in Leposaviq, shortly after 22:00.
The complainant alleged that he had been stopped while driving an Audi A4 with Serbian license plates, with two passengers inside the vehicle, and claimed that during the police check he was physically abused by officers. He further stated that as a result of the alleged mistreatment, he suffered injuries to the back of his neck, left elbow, right arm, and leg, and that he had sought medical treatment at the Regional Hospital in North Mitrovica. Additionally, he claimed that one of the police officers struck his friend in the leg with the butt of a long firearm.
Following receipt of the complaint, IPK investigators immediately launched investigative actions in close coordination with the State Prosecutor’s Office, specifically the Basic Prosecution Office in Mitrovica. The complainant was interviewed in the presence of his defense lawyer.
As part of the verification process, IPK investigators secured and analyzed video footage from security cameras covering the checkpoint area where the police stop took place. After reviewing all evidence, including the video recordings, investigators determined that the footage did not support the complainant’s claims.
According to the IPK, the video evidence showed that police officers did not exceed their legal authorizations, nor did they use force during the incident. Investigators concluded that the allegations were fabricated.
Based on these findings, the case was referred to the Basic Prosecution Office in Mitrovica, which ordered the initiation of a criminal case and investigation against the complainant, now a suspect, for the criminal offense of “False reporting or false criminal complaint.”
The IPK emphasized that it remains committed to thoroughly investigating all allegations against police officers, while also acting decisively when claims are proven to be false.
