
BRUSSELS – The European Union is actively monitoring the situation involving Igor Popović, Deputy Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, and has acknowledged the ruling made by the Basic Court in Pristina. A spokesperson for the European Commission emphasized the expectation that the rule of law and fair legal proceedings will be upheld. In response to Tanjug’s inquiry regarding Popović’s arrest and potential EU action, the EU stated that any form of detention must be justified and proportionate.
“Progress in normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina can only be achieved through dialogue. It is important to avoid statements and actions that do not support this objective,” the EU’s statement added.
Popović was detained on Friday at the Brnjak administrative border after making remarks during a memorial service for victims from the municipality of Orahovac in Velika Hoča. A preliminary proceedings judge ordered his detention for up to 30 days on Sunday, alleging that he incited discord and intolerance during his speech. Petar Petković, the Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, expressed that the decision to detain Popović for 30 days is a blatant misuse of the Pristina judiciary for the political agenda of Albin Kurti, and asserted that dialogue regarding the normalization of relations with Pristina will not resume until Popović is released. (July 23)
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