Kosovo police deny targeting Serbian Orthodox Church

Kosovo police have strongly denied claims by the Serbian Orthodox Church that officers are harassing the ethnic Serb minority.

Church leaders said this week that trust in local authorities has hit a post-war low, accusing police of unfair checks and daily intimidation.

Tensions rose after police arrested 37 people during religious celebrations last month. The Church claims officers beat and insulted the detainees, prompting an official human rights investigation.

Police insist they did not target worshippers. They say officers only arrested individuals suspected of hate speech and inciting violence after the ceremony ended.

The force also rejected claims of rising attacks on Serb churches. Police released figures showing that most recent incidents at religious sites were simple property thefts affecting all faiths.

Meanwhile, church leaders have urged NATO peacekeepers and Western diplomats to maintain a strong presence in Kosovo, warning that the Serb community still relies on external protection.