Kosovo’s Ministry of Internal Affairs recently revoked the citizenship of Nikola Vujović, a Serb national who, according to acting Minister Xhelal Sveçla, is employed by the Serbian Police. This decision marks a firm stance against perceived threats to national security, prompting discussions among security experts about the risks posed by such individuals to the state of Kosovo.
Government’s Stance and Actions
Minister Sveçla asserted that Vujović’s actions are in direct contradiction with Kosovo’s laws and constitute an infringement on national security. “We cannot and will not tolerate in any form the undermining of the national security of the Republic of Kosovo by anyone,” Sveçla declared. “Kosovo is the country of all our citizens, and no one will be tolerated to become an instrument of undermining its statehood.”
Sveçla further claims that Serbia has systematically employed citizens of the Republic of Kosovo within its security and intelligence institutions as part of ongoing efforts to internally destabilize Kosovo. Following the revocation of his citizenship, police announced that forced removal procedures from Kosovo territory would begin for Vujović, who has been placed in the Detention Center for Foreigners.
Unofficial reports suggest a significant number of similar cases involving Serb community members with Kosovar citizenship who are part of Serbian security institutions. These cases are currently under verification by Kosovar security institutions, and more similar decisions are expected.
Expert Opinions on the Risks
Security experts have weighed in on the potential dangers these individuals pose to Kosovo. Refki Morina, a former lieutenant colonel of the Kosovo Police, stated, “The main risks are that if they operate in security institutions, they continuously transmit information to the intelligence, let’s say the Serbian BIA, and inform it about the results and obstruct the activities and operational measures that the police undertake in Kosovo.”
Avni Islami, a security affairs expert, suggests that such individuals may already be part of Kosovo’s security institutions and could potentially carry out illegal actions. “Such persons may exist until now, but they have failed to destabilize Kosovo. However, since they pose a permanent risk, their citizenship should be revoked, and necessary measures should be taken to prevent them from operating in Kosovo,” Islami declared.
Notably, the Special Prosecutor’s Office of Kosovo recently filed an indictment against a former Kosovo police officer who had been an agent in Kosovo for Serbia’s Intelligence Agency (BIA).
