A day after Serbian authorities released former police officer Arbnor Spahiu from pre-trial detention, Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacted, stating that the charges brought against Spahiu were politically motivated and unsupported by evidence, while “his prolonged detention violated the right to due process and fair treatment.”
On Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (MFA/MPJD) called on Serbia to end its practice of using the justice system as a tool of political pressure. The statement follows the release of former Kosovo police officer Arbnor Spahiu, who had been held for five months in Serbia.
Spahiu was released on Friday from pre-trial detention, where he was held on charges of “aggravated murder” related to the 2023 Banjska attack.
In Banjska, after Kosovo Police were attacked by a Serbian paramilitary group of dozens, officers responded by killing three members of the group and wounding three others. Most of the attackers then fled to Serbia, where they continue to be sheltered, despite more than 40 indictments issued by Kosovo. Serbia has also failed to prosecute Milan Radoičić, who publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.
Under accusations of killing members of this terrorist group, Spahiu was arrested at the Serbia–Hungary border in June this year.
The MFA emphasized that the charges against Spahiu were politically driven and without evidence, and that “his prolonged detention violated the right to due process and fair treatment.”
The Ministry stressed that his release clearly proves that Serbia’s claims were unfounded, and that the use of the justice system as a political pressure tool against Kosovo citizens must end.
“The Ministry thanks domestic and international institutions that contributed to the fair handling of this case and reiterates its commitment to protecting every citizen of Kosovo, wherever they may be,” the statement read.
Former officer Spahiu was released from a Serbian prison on Friday, as confirmed by his family.
On Saturday, he wrote on Facebook that he had been unjustly arrested since June 7 on serious charges, which he said were part of an entirely political and unfair process.
“I want to let you know that I am well, stronger than ever, and grateful for all the support during this difficult period,” he wrote, thanking everyone who stood by him.
Acting Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla had previously demanded Spahiu’s release during her address at the United Nations Security Council.
