Kosovo: Ethnic Serb activists to protest in Mitrovica, Jan. 9

Event

Ethnic Serb activists plan to protest in Mitrovica Jan. 9 to denounce the Serbian government's response to ongoing tensions between the two countries. Attendees will gather at 12:00 at the Tsar Lazar monument. Mitrovica has a predominantly ethnic Serb population, and attendance may run to several thousand people.

Local authorities will likely deploy increased police to monitor the event. In November, many ethnic Serb members of the police and local authorities resigned from their positions; therefore, the likely deployment of ethnic Albanian Kosovo police may add to the risk of heightened tension and possible violence.

Context

In November, a long-standing dispute over mutual recognition of Serbian and Kosovar vehicle license plates was resolved. However, several hundred ethnic Serbs resigned from their positions in the Kosovar local government, and distrust remains between the population in northern Kosovo and the Pristina government. In December, the Serbian government put their military on high alert, following the arrest of a former ethnic Serb Kosovar police officer, consequent roadblocks in northern Kosovo, and border crossing closures.

Advice

Avoid the area; avoid all protests as a routine security procedure. Follow local travel and security advice. In the event of violence, withdraw from the affected area.