June 5th - Nato and EU Values At Work In Kosovo

Fines for ‘Kosovo is Serbia’ T-Shirt Men
BalkanInsight.com -

04 June 2008 Kamenica _

Kosovo Serbs are in outcry over a local court’s move to fine two men for wearing t-shirts reading “Kosovo is Serbia.” Zivojin Rakocevic, editor of Kosovo Serbs’ magazine Glas Juga, claims the decision is violating their basic human right, the freedom of expression.

“How modern is Kosovo after becoming independent, we clearly see through this meaningless punishment,” Rakocevic told Balkan Insight.

Milos and Milomir Stojanovic from Gjilan/Gnjilane were arrested by Kosovo Police Service on the Kosovo–Serbia border.

The Minor Offences’ Court in Kamenica, eastern Kosovo, fined them € 250 each, for promoting slogans that could stoke inter-ethnic tension. Both of them were released once they paid the fee.

“I am considering wearing a t-shirt that says ‘Kosovo is Serbia: Freedom of Expression – 250 euros,” Rakocevic said, complaining that the fine was way too high, considering the average salary of Kosovo Serbs is some € 150.

Kosovo human rights watchdogs said they are still gathering information regarding the case and were unable to comment.

Balkan Insight also tried to contact the judge of the case but that was not possible.