UNMIK Police
Press Release
19-06-02

MORE ARRESTS FOR CRIMES COMMITTED DURING 1999

The ongoing UNMIK Police operation to arrest suspects involved in serious criminal offences against Kosovo Albanians in June of 1999 has been successfully concluded with the arrests today of two additional people. The two wanted men voluntarily surrendered themselves to UNMIK Police at separate locations in Kosovo this afternoon and have been taken into custody. Today's arrests are in addition to the four persons arrested yesterday. All are K Albanian males suspected of committing offences of illegal detention and grievous assault.

UNMIK Police are currently holding a total of six persons for these offences, and one person for an unrelated offence of unlawful possession of weapons.

Contrary to some media reports, none of the suspects have been released from custody. One of the men arrested yesterday was accompanied by two bodyguards, who were detained briefly for reasons of security and who were then released. However, the bodyguards were not subjects of this investigation.

With today's arrests, all of the targets of this operation have been located and arrested.

Until the charges are confirmed by an Investigating Judge, details of their names or affiliations will not be released by the Police.

The actions of UNMIK Police were based on a legal request from an International Prosecutor and were conducted in a professional manner respecting international standards of human rights and democratic policing.

These arrests again demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that the rule of law will prevail in Kosovo

Derek CHAPPELL
Chief of Press & Public Information
Barry FLETCHER
Deputy Chief of Press & Public Information
Office of Press and Public Information
UNMIK Police Main HQ, Pristina