“It is concerning that the attack took place despite of buses being under police escort,” Serbian Orthodox Church priest Nebojsa Sekulic told RTV KIM in relation to Sunday’s incident that happened near Istok, when two buses transporting Serb pilgrims were stoned.

Sekulic noted the visit was agreed and planned, and the incident took place despite the presence of the police. He also voiced concern what could have happened to the pilgrims if they decided to go and visit the church without police.

More than 9 thousand Serbs lived in the Istok municipality prior to the 1999 conflict. Their number now barely reaches 1000, RTV KIM reports.