Hundreds of supporters from Serbian rightist and ultranationalist organizations, some waving Russian flags, rallied in downtown Belgrade in support of Kosovar Serbs, demanding the Serbian government intervene in Kosovo. Protesters waved flags and chanted "Kosovo is Serbia." Tempers are flaring again between Serbia and Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence. Tensions have simmered ever since the 1998-99 war in Kosovo that claimed more than 10,000 lives and left over 1 million homeless.
Far-Right Protesters Rally In Belgrade In Support Of Kosovar Serbs As EU Urges De-Escalation
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Protesters marched in Belgrade on December 12 in support of ethnic Serbs who erected barricades on the main roads in the north of Kosovo.
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The protests were triggered by the arrest of Kosovar Serb police officer Dejan Pantic, who was part of a mass resignation of Serbs who claimed that EU-mediated agreements were being breached by Kosovo.
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Pantic was charged with domestic terrorism after being accused of perpetrating attacks on the elections commission in northern Kosovo.
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A protester burns a Kosovo flag in Belgrade on December 12.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for de-escalation from both Kosovo and Serbia, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called for the deployment of Serbian troops to northern Kosovo, fueling fears of a new war.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for de-escalation from both Kosovo and Serbia, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called for the deployment of Serbian troops to northern Kosovo, fueling fears of a new war.
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Kosovar Serbs blocked the road near the village of Rudine, in North Mitrovica, Kosovo, on December 11.
The Serbian government, along with Russia, has refused to recognize Kosovo’s statehood and consider it part of Serbia, even though Belgrade has no formal control there. A total of 99 out of 193 United Nations countries now recognize Kosovo's independence, including the United States, Great Britain, and 22 out of 27 EU countries.
The Serbian government, along with Russia, has refused to recognize Kosovo’s statehood and consider it part of Serbia, even though Belgrade has no formal control there. A total of 99 out of 193 United Nations countries now recognize Kosovo's independence, including the United States, Great Britain, and 22 out of 27 EU countries.
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NATO peacekeepers from Germany walk near a roadblock set up by Kosovar Serbs in Rudare on December 12.
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Heavy trucks block the road near the village of Rudare, Kosovo, on December 12.
European Union officials have mediated negotiations designed to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo since 2012.
European Union officials have mediated negotiations designed to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo since 2012.
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Kosovar Serbs warm themselves near the village of Rudine on December 13.
Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on December 13 that Pristina will apply to join the European Union this week, a process that is expected to take years, if not decades, and is dependent on normalizing relations with Serbia.
Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on December 13 that Pristina will apply to join the European Union this week, a process that is expected to take years, if not decades, and is dependent on normalizing relations with Serbia.