On Thursday, Kosovo authorities seized the assets of fugitive Kosovo Serb politician Milan Radoičić, who confessed to planning the events that led to the death of a policeman during a siege of a monastery in the village of Banjska on 24 September.
Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu stated that the politician had used citizens of the Serb community to enrich himself.
“The documents below are the long lists of numerous confiscated and seized assets of a criminal who himself has become a millionaire while using citizens of the Serbian community through fear, intimidation and blackmail.”
The list shared by Haxhiu includes flats, villas, restaurants, over 30 vehicles, excavators, armoured vehicles and boats in northern Kosovo. Haxhiu stated that Radoičić became a millionaire due to crime, terror, and impoverishment.
But this era has come to an end. It is time for citizens to live peacefully and criminals to be punished.
The Serbian List, the largest Serb party in the country, issued a statement on the matter, claiming that the seizure of Radoičić’s assets was illegal and that the decision under consideration was aimed at increasing tensions and alienating Serbs from Kosovo.
Tensions in northern Kosovo reached a peak on 24 September when armed Serbs blocked a road and opened fire in Banjska village. The armed group then fled in and around Banjska Monastery. Kosovo police surrounded the attackers, with clashes continuing throughout the day.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić confirmed that the incident that killed a Kosovo police officer was perpetrated by Kosovo Serbs. Radoičić claimed responsibility for the events and was released subject to judicial control after being detained in Serbia.
Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla claimed that at least three attackers were killed and six people were detained during the operation in Banjska, including two assailants and four who supported the attack by radio.
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti claimed that a heavily armed group of about 30 people attacked Kosovo police. Kurti held Serbia responsible for the incident, which resulted in the death of a police officer.
Last December, Interpol issued a red notice for the arrest of Radoičić and other attackers. The European Union is pressing Serbia and Kosovo to discuss a new plan to normalise relations, but it should first ease escalating tensions that are stalling progress.
