Iranian citizen detained in Pristina and seeks asylum in Kosovo

An Iranian citizen has applied for asylum in Kosovo after being detained at Pristina International Airport “Adem Jashari.”

The Kosovo Police said that during a check on August 18, he had used a passport issued by Belgium.

During questioning, the Iranian citizen admitted that the document belonged to another person. He also stated that he was from Iran and did not have any personal documents with him.

Before the authorities, he said that he felt at risk in Iran.

Fitim Zariqi, director of the Asylum Center, confirmed to Radio Free Europe that the asylum application had been submitted by the Iranian citizen.

“He submitted an asylum application, and the application is being reviewed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” Zariqi said.

He explained that the review procedure may take up to six months, while the deadline may be extended by a further three months.

“But it usually does not last more than an average of two and a half or three [months],” Zariqi said.

It is not yet known from which country the Iranian had traveled to Kosovo.

Radio Free Europe is awaiting a response from the Kosovo Police regarding how he traveled, the status of the case and whether or not criminal proceedings have been initiated against him. / RFE