Vučić Calls Justice Actions “Terror” When Suspects in War Crimes Cases Are Investigated

Whenever Kosovo’s institutions launch investigations or arrest people suspected of war crimes, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić describes these actions as “terror.” He used the same rhetoric in response to the latest operations in northern Kosovo, where a mass grave is suspected to be located in Zubin Potok.

During his stay in Republika Srpska, Vučić spoke about the recent arrest of several Serbs in northern Kosovo. They were detained on suspicion of involvement in the disappearance of 23 intellectuals from Mitrovica in 1999.

Repeating his usual claims, the Serbian president accused the authorities in Pristina of “exerting pressure” on the Serbian community.

According to Danas, Vučić claimed that Serbs in Republika Srpska are strong, as are those in Kosovo, who, he said, face “terrible terror” and new accusations every day. He also said that no one speaks about the suffering of Orthodox Christians, adding that those who, as he claimed, are terrorizing the Serbian people in Kosovo “will not make it to dawn.”

Other Serbian officials have also made disinformation-laden statements in recent days, highlighting Serbia’s mobilization around anti-Kosovo narratives.

Former Serbian minister Snezhana Paunović went so far as to mention the “ethnic cleansing of Kosovo,” declaring that such an action would have been undertaken during the time of Milošević, in 1998.

Meanwhile, excavations are continuing in the village of Kalludër e Vogël in Zubin Potok amid suspicions that a mass grave from the wartime period may be located there. Human remains and clothing have been found at the site. In recent days, the location was visited by serving state leaders Albulena Haxhiu and Albin Kurti, Minister for Families Andin Hoti, as well as other institutional officials.

Another grave was discovered yesterday, August 2, in Jabukë, Zubin Potok.

Kosovo’s institutions have reiterated their demand that Serbia open its state, military and police archives. In particular, they have requested documentation from the 37th Motorized Brigade of the Yugoslav Army, in order to help shed light on the fate of people forcibly disappeared during the war. This brigade was honored in Serbia over the weekend.