The Serbian Church expressed concern over a new law restricting the presence of the EWS in Kosovo

The Serbian Orthodox Church has expressed concern about the possible consequences of the application of the so-called «law on foreigners» in Kosovo, which could complicate the life of the Serbian community in the region. The law, which comes into full force on March 15, could affect thousands of people working and living in Serbian institutions, including teachers, students and health care workers.

A statement from the Diocese of Raška-Prizren emphasizes that the increased application of entry, residence and work rules for «foreign nationals» could jeopardize the right to education and work, as well as disrupt the functioning of social institutions. Of particular concern are possible restrictions for employees and students of the University in Kosovska Mitrovica, the largest Serbian educational center in the region. The law could also affect the clergy and monks of the Serbian Church, and potentially make it more difficult for pilgrims to visit Orthodox shrines.

Kosovo is of special importance to the Serbian Church: it is home to ancient monasteries and churches, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The diocese called on the authorities and international structures to provide a transition period and understandable registration procedures, and emphasized the need for dialogue with the Serbian community before the introduction of strict measures.

Also recall that in the village of Rakitnica near Podujevo (Kosovo), self-proclaimed «priest» Nikola Djufka for the third time forcibly entered the church of St. Michael the Archangel of the XIV century, which belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church. According to the Diocese of Raška-Prizren, Đufka broke the lock on the doors and occupied the shrine in late June without any legal grounds. on June 30, the diocese filed a third application with the Pristina prosecutor’s office.