BELGRADE: A Serbian court has issued order the continued custody and probe of three Kosovo police personnel detained this week near border in disputed conditions, Western media reported on Friday.
Serbia’s Court Orders Detention of Kosovo Policemen
Kosovo said that the policemen were arrested inside its territory by Serbian officials, who had crossed the border. However, Belgrade said the police personnel were arrested inside Serbia.
Officials in Serbia said it had charged the policemen with unauthorized possession and carrying of arms and explosive materials, Reuters reported.
“The court for the preliminary proceedings ordered the detention of all three suspects,” officials said.
A US Ambassador called on Serbian government to free the three men, saying the officials did not intentionally cross the border and the “likely scenarios” were that the official were kidnapped from Kosovo.”
The three officials “had no intention to be inside Serbia and should be freed,” US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Gabriel Escobar said.
This “escalation” is “really forming some very difficult situations for the region, not just for Kosovo and Serbia,” Escobar added.
Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti has demanded the release of the policemen, adding their arrests was an act of aggression by Serbians.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rejected the allegations and accused Albin Kurti of provoking conflict.
The US and UK asked Serbia and Kosovo to reduce tensions and called for the immediate release of policemen.
