The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kosovo has called for increased international engagement after Serbia arrested a former member of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) while he was transiting through Serbian territory.
Authorities in Serbia reported the arrest of Mit’hat Llozhani at the Batrovci border crossing from Croatia. Kosovo’s MFA confirmed that Llozhani was detained upon entry into Serbia.
In a public statement, the Ministry said that Kosovo’s Liaison Office in Serbia submitted an official request to Serbian authorities to confirm the arrest, clarify the reasons for Llozhani’s detention, and provide any relevant information regarding further handling of the case. The Ministry also sent a verbal note to QUINT country diplomatic missions in Serbia to secure their involvement in ensuring Llozhani’s rights and safety.
“Kosovo’s Liaison Office in Serbia has formally requested the Serbian Liaison Office in Kosovo to confirm the arrest, clarify the specific reasons for the detention, and provide all other relevant information for proper handling of the case. The EU Delegation in Serbia has also been informed, and QUINT diplomatic missions have been requested to engage in protecting the rights and security of the citizen of the Republic of Kosovo,” the statement read.
Kosovo officials added that Jetish Jashari from the Liaison Office is in contact with Llozhani’s family and will formally request permission for a visit.
The Ministry called on the international community to increase pressure on Serbian authorities, citing Serbia’s continued pattern of arresting and mistreating Kosovo citizens in violation of international human rights standards.
Serbia’s Interior Minister Ivica Dačić accused Llozhani of crimes against the Serbian population, claiming that he participated in attacks against Serbian police and Yugoslav army personnel in Dukagjin during 1998–1999. According to Dačić, Llozhani was part of a group commanded by Ramush Haradinaj, involved in the kidnapping and killing of police officers.
From June to December 2025, Serbia reportedly arrested eight Kosovo Albanian citizens, primarily targeting former KLA members, current members of Kosovo security forces (police and FSK soldiers), and Kosovo Serbs whom Belgrade views as collaborators with Kosovo institutions.
