This year, Kosovars have once again been targeted by Serbian authorities, who have carried out several arrests of citizens of the Republic of Kosovo under accusations of “war crimes” and other serious offenses, reports Rks News.
The Case of the Emini Brothers
After the release of brothers Xhemajl and Bashkim Emini from Rahovec, who were detained last week in Serbia, other cases remain unresolved, including those of former police officer Arbnor Spahiu and Behar Preniqi.
The two brothers from Rahovec were arrested by Serbian authorities on claims that they committed war crimes in August 1999. However, their families and fellow citizens insist that they were never members of the KLA. They have now been released and returned to Germany, where they live.
Arbnor Spahiu Still in Detention
Meanwhile, former Kosovo police officer Arbnor Spahiu, arrested on June 7 in Serbia, remains in pre-trial detention. He is accused by the Serbian state of involvement in the September 2023 Banjska attack, during which Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed.
The High Court in Subotica has extended his detention for another 30 days, while his family faces severe financial difficulties. His wife has issued a public appeal for help, pointing to the heavy burden of legal expenses.
The Arrest of Behar Preniqi
On August 5, Serbian authorities arrested Kosovo citizen Behar Preniqi at the Croatia–Serbia border, accusing him of KLA membership. His family categorically denies this claim, stressing that during the war he was just a child and had never faced any legal issues.
Other Detention Cases
Earlier this year, Serbia also detained former Kosovo Assembly MP, Gramos Agusholli, at the Merdare border crossing, though he was released shortly afterward.
Institutional Reactions
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora has expressed concern over the repeated arbitrary detentions of Kosovo citizens and has called for international intervention.
Furthermore, the MFA has issued travel warnings, advising citizens—especially those from the diaspora—to avoid passing through Serbia and instead use alternative routes to prevent any potential risks.
