Police: Detentions after protest linked to traffic violations, not KLA flags

Kosovo Police have denied claims published on social media that citizens were detained or punished because of KLA flags.

According to the police institution, no citizen was detained, punished or subjected to violence for using historical national symbols or KLA symbols. The measures, it said in a statement, were taken solely because of violations of the law.

Police said they had deployed their capacities to ensure security during the protest scheduled for tonight at 21:00 in Pristina’s central square, as well as to manage road traffic.

After the peaceful protests in the capital ended, some participants continued driving through the streets of Pristina. Police said that, in several cases, uncontrolled and dangerous driving was observed.

In addition, some people stood in the windows of vehicles or on top of cars while they were moving, endangering themselves, other traffic participants and pedestrians.

“The interventions by police officers on the ground were aimed solely at preventing the dangerous and uncontrolled driving of some vehicles after the protests,” the Police statement said.

The institution stressed that its efforts were aimed at ensuring that the protest proceeded peacefully and safely, protecting citizens, regulating traffic and preventing dangerous behavior while driving.