Rikalo: Kosovo special police members wanted to humiliate us (RTS, KIM Radio)
Kosovo Minister of Agriculture, Nenad Rikalo is among those injured in incidents that took place during arrest of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija Director, Marko Djuric, KIM Radio reports today.
He is still in intensive care in Mitrovica North hospital, and told RTS his recovery goes well.
Rikalo said the aim of the Kosovo special police members was to humiliate Serbs and that they kicked him despite him clearly presenting himself and showing his ID. He said the most of the kicks he sustained in the chest area, where ribs, liver and pancreas are located.
He also described what happened in Mitrovacki dvor on Monday. After receiving information that ROSU members are in front of the premise he moved outside hoping they would recognize him and he will try to calm down the situation.
Rikalo added in such situation it is necessary to react calmly and it was his aim. However, after reaching the entry of the premise, shock bombs and tear gas were already used.
He said he presented himself to the police officer as a minister. “Police officer ordered me to kneel down. Then he hit me with his hand on the back, next kick was with a butt of the weapon on my back. Then I fell to the ground and they started kicking me. I clearly identified myself and showed ID but nothing helped,” Rikalo said.
He added that “physical wounds would heal, but the feeling someone wanted to humiliate you in such a way would not go away easily and would be remembered until he is alive,” Rikalo said.