A former member of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), identified as a citizen of Kosovo, was apprehended by Serbian authorities on February 5. The Organization of Kosovo Liberation Army War Veterans, along with lawyer Arianti Koci, confirmed the arrest, which took place at the border between Serbia and Croatia. During a search, officials discovered the KLA veteran’s membership card in his possession.
Gazmend Syla, the deputy head of the KLA OVL, informed Radio Free Europe that the arrested individual, Lozhani, has reportedly participated in several training exercises in Albania but lacks evidence of involvement in combat on the front lines during the conflict in Kosovo.
Koci, representing Lozhani, highlighted that this incident is part of a larger pattern of arrests involving Kosovo citizens traveling through Serbia. He urged Kosovo’s authorities to take action against these recurring detentions, suggesting that political measures, including potentially closing the border for 24 hours, could be considered if such arrests persist.
Emphasizing the need for collective action, Koci stated, “The effective protection of Kosovo citizens cannot remain only at the individual level. This is the responsibility of the state, within and outside its borders.” As of now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora in Kosovo has not issued a statement regarding this specific case. The reasons behind Lozhani’s arrest remain unclear at this time.
This situation underscores ongoing tensions in the region and the complexities surrounding the movement of individuals with historical ties to the KLA. As discussions continue about protecting the rights of citizens, the hope is that a diplomatic resolution can be pursued to address these recurring issues at the border.