Kosovo ombudsman investigates police abuse claims after Gazimestan arrests

Kosovo’s ombudsman has opened an investigation into claims that police abused people arrested during the Vidovdan gathering at Gazimestan.

Thirty-seven people were detained on June 28 near Pristina. Thirty-six were later fined and banned from entering Kosovo for three years.

The complaints say some detainees were slapped, beaten, insulted and forced to chant “Kosovo is a republic” while being taken to a police station.

The ombudsman said the investigation began after complaints from citizens and information from non-governmental organizations.

Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate has also said it will investigate.

Vidovdan is marked by Serbs each year at Gazimestan to commemorate the 1389 Battle of Kosovo.