Kosovo police restrict flags at Gazimestan amid Vidovdan tensions

Kosovo police restricted participants from carrying Serbian flags near the Gazimestan monument during Vidovdan commemorations, citing security protocols.

In an official statement, police urged a peaceful gathering and warned against provocation. “All participants must respect the law and instructions from Kosovo Police, which will be present to ensure safety and prevent any unlawful activity,” the statement read.

The event marks Vidovdan, a Serbian national holiday commemorating the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. Celebrations began with a liturgy at the Gračanica Monastery and continued toward Gazimestan, near Pristina.

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti alleged that Serbia aimed to provoke incidents at the site to divert attention from domestic protests. He claimed security services had identified organized groups from Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina attempting to enter Kosovo with nationalist symbols.

Kosovo law prohibits the display of symbols deemed provocative or in violation of constitutional order.