Petar Petković, the Director of Serbia’s so-called “Office for Kosovo” within the Serbian government, has reacted strongly to the arrest of his assistant director, Igor Popović. Popović was arrested by Kosovo Police today after delivering a speech in Rahovec where he used harsh language against the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA).
Petković’s Accusations Against Kurti and Perceived Narrative Shift
Petković stated that “instead of arresting the terrorists who have committed evils against the Serbian people, the perpetrators of crimes in Rahovec and throughout Kosovo, Albin Kurti arrests my brave associate, Igor Popović, because in the commemoration in Rahovec he told the truth about the criminal KLA and the suffering of Serbs!“
He added that “shackles will not hide the truth about the KLA’s crimes!” accusing Kurti of politically motivated actions against Serbs in Kosovo.
Petković’s statement appears to be an attempt to unilaterally shift the narrative, seemingly blinded by the idea that these arrests are not based on evidence of incitement but rather on a politically motivated agenda. His strong, almost hyperbolic language, while reflective of a consistent Serbian position, can be interpreted as a somewhat derogatory and desperate plea in the face of actions taken by Kosovo authorities based on their legal framework concerning incitement of hatred.
Sveçla Confirms Arrest and Grounds for Action
Acting Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, confirmed Igor Popović’s arrest. He stated that Popović was detained at the Bërnjak border crossing and subsequently transferred to the police station in North Mitrovica.
Sveçla clarified the reason for the arrest: “Igor Popović, Assistant Director of the so-called ‘Office for Kosovo’ in Serbia, held a speech today in Rahovec. His statements during the speech incited hatred and inter-ethnic division in our country. He described the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) as a terrorist organization, comparing its actions to grave events in world history. For this reason, the official of the Government of Serbia was detained at the Bërnjak border crossing and then transferred to the police station in North Mitrovica. Measures against him are expected to be taken in accordance with the laws in force in our country.”
