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Nine Serbian nationals detained in Kosovo over alleged war crimes against civilians

Kosovo police and a special prosecutor detained nine Serbian-ethnic residents of Zubin Potok on suspicion of committing war crimes against civilians.

In a coordinated early-morning raid in Zubin Potok, Kosovo police and a special prosecutor's office detained nine men of Serbian ethnicity on suspicion of war crimes against the civilian population. The action was led by the police directorate that investigates war crimes, supported by additional special units, and followed a months-long investigation. Officials say the case is connected to the 1999 disappearance of 23 Albanian civilians, the so-called Mitrovica intellectuals group.

Earlier summer arrests in the village were tied to human remains found at several sites, and DNA testing has recently identified three of the missing individuals. The Serbian Kosovo Office denounced the operation, alleging that the Pristina authorities are using the prosecutions to frighten and expel the local Serb population.

Why it matters

The detentions could heighten ethnic tensions in Kosovo and affect ongoing reconciliation efforts.

In this story

war crimesdetentionsSerbian ethnicitycivilian populationMitrovica intellectualshuman remainsDNA testingethnic tensionsKosovoreconciliation
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