Kosovo: Protest planned in Priština August 29

Event

Civic groups have planned a protest in Priština on Wednesday, August 29, to call for the resignation of chief prosecutor Aleksander Lumezi and a judicial review of a recent corruption scandal involving the veterans' pension system. Demonstrators are expected to gather at 18:00 (local time) at Zahir Pajaziti Square. Further related protests are possible in the coming days and weeks. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are expected near all demonstration sites.

Context

Hundreds of people participated in a related demonstration supported by the opposition Vetevendosje party which was held in Priština on August 22.  

On August 15, special prosecutor Elez Blakaj resigned after allegedly being threatened by chief prosecutor Aleksander Lumezi. Since 2016, Blakaj had been investigating the Commission on Verification of War Veterans and had recently discovered that 19,000 people had illegally obtained Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) veteran status in order to receive monthly benefits. The government has denied allegations of coercion and has stated that the investigation into the veterans' pension list would continue.

Advice

Individuals in Kosovo, especially those in Priština, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of potential violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.