The Basic Court in Pristina has confirmed the indictment filed by Kosovo’s Special Prosecution against Serbian Member of Parliament Igor Popović, charging him with inciting hatred and deepening ethnic divisions.
Prosecutors allege that Popović deliberately used inflammatory language, invoking the NATO intervention, the UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) in a way intended to provoke hostility between Albanians and Serbs. His statements, delivered in a politically charged context, are seen as part of a broader campaign by Belgrade-aligned politicians to undermine Kosovo’s stability and sow distrust among communities.
Sources close to the prosecution confirm that Popović has entered into a plea agreement, though details remain undisclosed. Critics argue that the deal may be too lenient given the seriousness of his remarks and their potential to inflame tensions.
The case highlights what many in Kosovo view as a troubling pattern: Serbian officials and political representatives continuing to exploit ethnic narratives and wartime grievances for political gain. While Popović’s defense claims his words were taken out of context, prosecutors insist his intent was clear — to keep ethnic wounds open and obstruct Kosovo’s path toward reconciliation.
This indictment comes amid ongoing friction between Pristina and Belgrade, with Serbia persistently refusing to recognize Kosovo’s independence while interfering in its internal affairs. For many in Kosovo, holding figures like Popović accountable is essential in countering Belgrade’s divisive influence and protecting the country’s democratic order.
