The Basic Court in Pristina has approved a plea agreement in the initial hearing of Stefan Spasojević, who was charged with incitement to ethnic hatred and intolerance.
According to the indictment, the incident occurred on October 14, 2023, around 08:20 AM in the village of Dren, in the Zubin Potok municipality. Prosecutors stated that Spasojević wore a black T-shirt bearing nationalist slogans and imagery with the intention of inciting hatred, division, and intolerance between ethnic groups in the Republic of Kosovo, and of disturbing public order.
The front of the shirt featured a map of Kosovo with the phrase “NE DAMO TE ZEMLJU DUSANOVA” (translated to Albanian: “We will not give away the land of Tsar Dušan”), while the back included the inscription “RANVOGORSKI POKRET – IBARSKI KOLASIN”, referring to a nationalist political movement known for hostile and provocative rhetoric.
Public Hate Speech Confirmed
The indictment emphasizes that these actions constituted public incitement of hatred among ethnic groups in Kosovo, thereby contributing directly to public disorder.
Court Recommends Monetary Fine Instead of Prison Sentence
Under the plea agreement, Spasojević faces a recommended sentence of six months’ imprisonment, which will be converted into a monetary fine ranging between €2,500 and €3,000.
His attorney, Shyqyri Syla, requested the court to consider mitigating circumstances, including the defendant’s remorse and public apology, and proposed that the fine be limited to €2,500.
Presiding Judge Lutfi Shala scheduled the verdict announcement for 13:30 today.
