Kosovo Police issued a press release today confirming that 15 persons were arrested in several locations. After several months of investigations and in cooperation with State Prosecution, Kosovo Police this morning conducted a country-wide operation to arrest people suspected of committing criminal offenses against the constitutional order and security in the Republic of Kosovo. The police operation was conducted after assessing the risk and importance of national security, the protection of the constitutional order, the rule of law and in the spirit of safeguarding and respecting the rights of every person as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. The Republic of Kosovo is known as a country of religious tolerance and respect for human rights regardless of race, religion or gender. During the operation, police have raided 16 locations and arrested 15 persons suspected of committing criminal offenses under the chapter “CRIMINAL OFFENSES AGAINST THE CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER AND SECURITY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO” of the Kosovo Criminal Code. The suspects that were arrested are:

· SH. K. (1966) – Prishtinë

· T. A. (1987) – Prishtinë

· F. R. (1960) – Prishtinë

· E. A. (1971) – Mitrovicë

· E. R. (1976) – Mitrovicë

· E. N. (1981) – Mitrovicë

· E. G. (1978) – Pejë

· D.GJ. (1987) – Pejë

· M.M. (1958) – Prizren

· B. R. (1980) – Prizren

· I. B. (1981) – Prizren

· L. R. (1979) – Prizren

· A. M. (1985) – Ferizaj

· Sh. K. (1989) – Ferizaj

· S. S. (1981) – Gjilan

Police have confiscated incriminating material about the actions these persons are suspected of, including electronic equipment and other evidences related to the case.

The Police of the Republic of Kosovo use this opportunity to inform everyone about the danger faced by anyone who intends to join suspect organizations operating in the territory of Syria and Iraq, where several persons from the Republic of Kosovo have already been killed.

A large number of these organizations such as Al-Nusra and ISIS were declared terrorist organizations by international mechanisms and local institutions; therefore, Kosovo Police calls on everyone not to fall prey to temptations and ideological indoctrination and to inform Kosovo Police about any such case.

Based on its legal mandate, Kosovo Police will take all necessary measures to prevent and combat any form of violent extremism, the inclusion of individuals in criminal activities in terrorist organizations or groups in and outside Kosovo, as well as against those who support, finance, recruit or incite national, racial or religious hatred.