Written by: Arianit Koci
On the last three border crossings with Serbia, I've been stopped for additional checks. Without any explanation.
The procedure is the same every time.
The Serbian policeman takes my document without any interest. I am one of the many citizens entering Serbia.
As soon as he scans my ID, he opens his eyes, looks at me, then at the screen. He asks me to park on the side.
Exit the cabin and go to the main facility. Verifications and consultations are done by phone.
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This lasts from 13 to 30 minutes.
It turns around. The document is given to me without any explanation. I am told I can continue.
The same procedure, three times in a row.
On these three occasions, I was in the official vehicle of the Liaison Office of the Republic of Kosovo in Belgrade, together with the Head of the Office.
So far, for years I have passed without any obstacles.
My activity in coordinating the protection of Kosovo citizens suspected by Serbian authorities of alleged war crimes – is hindering state structures there.
Therefore, this change in my status in the border systems is not accidental. It is evident that I am subject to monitoring by the security bodies in Serbia.
There, in addition to my role as a lawyer in the aforementioned cases, I am also the liaison between the local lawyer and the family, as well as the person who ensures the effective overcoming of language barriers and guarantees accurate communication.
It is precisely for this role that I am being monitored.
This is institutional pressure that aims to interfere with legal protection and limit the practice of my profession.
If there were any legal proceedings against me, I would be notified. I have already passed the "additional check" several times.
However, I act in accordance with the law – at every step and in every jurisdiction I practice. Serbia is no exception.
My request is clear there too: every citizen of Kosovo in Serbia should be treated according to the European Convention on Human Rights and applicable local laws.
I will continue my commitment. No one demotivates or intimidates me in my work.
This publication is being made for a single reason: in the event of any eventual incident during the exercise of my duties as a lawyer in Serbia, there should be a documented context of this situation.
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