The Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo has confirmed that Shefqet Krasniqi, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Pristina, is being interviewed by Kosovo Police. “The imam’s house was raided by Kosovo Police. For the time being, Krasniqi is being interviewed and there is no decision to detain him. We don’t know this will develop, it depends on the interview,” a statement issued by the Special Prosecution noted.
Kosovo Police earlier in the day confirmed there is an ongoing operation, but did not provide any further details. “We will confirm the nature of the operation after we have complete official information from the field,” Kosovo Police spokesman, Baki Kelani, told Radio Free Europe.
Media in Pristina meanwhile are reporting that the police operation is aimed at people believed to be involved in radical activities. The Islamic Community of Kosovo (BIK) said it is receiving information only from the media and that it cannot comment on the events.
In August, Kosovo Police arrested over 40 people believed to have been involved in fighting in Syria and Iraq alongside terrorist organizations, the Islamic State and Al-Nusra. Leaders of state institutions in Pristina, including President Atifete Jahjaga, said they would not allow Kosovo to become a safe haven for radical groups. Jahjaga also said that Islamic fundamentalism is one of Kosovo’s biggest concerns.
