The release of Dejan Padic is interpreted as a sign of Pristina’s retreat
Serb roadblocks in northern Kosovo remain for a 19th day, but there are signs of retreat from the Pristina side. The judicial authorities of Kosovo decided today to convert the pre-trial detention of former police officer Dejan Padic into house arrest.
Dejan Padic was arrested on December 10 on suspicion of terrorist activity and was remanded in custody. His temporary release pending trial was one of the demands of the Serbs to remove the barricades. The other demands include the release of two other arrested Serbs and the withdrawal of Kosovo police special forces from the majority-Serb north.
Meanwhile, yesterday evening, Tuesday, a new roadblock was erected on the main road connecting southern Serbia with Kosovo, this time on the Serbian side of the administrative border. Residents of the area placed trucks loaded with rubble perpendicular to the road thus blocking the access of vehicles to the “Merdare” border crossing.
A long ‘queue’ has formed on the highway of trucks and cars that have been stranded. This crossing is the main crossing point for goods to Kosovo, while on holidays it is used by Kosovars who work abroad and return to their homeland for holidays.
The Serbian police have not issued any announcement about the blockade of this road, nor are any efforts being made to remove the roadblock. Kosovo police advised travelers to use other smaller border crossings in southern Serbia or travel through North Macedonia.
RES-EMP
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
