KOSOVSKA MITROVICA – The government of the temporary institutions in Pristina, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, has announced a ban on the flag of the Republic of Serbia and other Serbian symbols for the upcoming Vidovdan observance.

This decision has provoked fears of escalating tensions between Kosovo authorities and the Serbian population in the region.

As the date of June 28 approaches, many are questioning what further actions Kurti may undertake to provoke conflict.

In a similar pattern to previous years, the so-called Kosovo Ministry of Police is devising a "special operational plan" that includes increased control at all administrative crossings and major roads leading from Gračanica and Pristina towards Gazimestan, where the Vidovdan memorial will take place.

There are concerns that authorities may conduct extensive searches for any Serbian symbols, as evidenced by past instances of heightened scrutiny.

The court ruling prohibiting the display of the Serbian flag was issued shortly before the holiday by a Pristina-based court that overturned a decision made by the municipality of Gračanica last June, which allowed the display of Serbian flags and symbols.

Judge Krešnik Kačiu ruled that this judgment has a binding character and replaces the previously annulled act.

The court's reasoning indicated that only the government, in collaboration with the presidency, can determine memorial days, and municipalities do not have the authority to declare public holidays that involve the use of national symbols in public spaces.

Pristina's ruling sends a clear message to the Serbian community in Kosovo, restricting flag displays not only at Gazimestan but also in the ten predominantly Serbian municipalities across the territory.

The response from the international community regarding this development has been muted, raising questions about their position on the matter.

In Kosovo and Metohija, the Office for Kosovo and Metohija condemned the decision, arguing that it is a direct attack against the Serbian population and illustrates the anti-Serbian stance of Kurti's administration.

The announcement has drawn critical responses from the Serbian List, the leading political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, which plans to appeal the court's decision and highlighted the inconsistency of this ruling compared to the display of the Albanian flag in Kosovo's parliamentary sessions.

The implications of Pristina's decision suggest an escalation of repressive measures against the Serbian population, particularly in the lead-up to Vidovdan.

There have been previous instances of arrests related to the display of symbols associated with the Serbian community, including cases where individuals faced legal action for carrying banners depicting a map of Kosovo in the colors of the Serbian flag.

Authorities have a history of detaining individuals on grounds of ethnic provocation, as seen in several arrests over the past years.

A notable case involved a young man from Belgrade who faced harsh treatment in custody for perceived offenses linked to Serbian symbols.

Reports indicate that the treatment of ethnic Serbs in Kosovo reflects broader systemic issues regarding their rights and representation in government and public life.

As the Vidovdan holiday approaches, the situation remains tense, with Serbian institutions and advocates continuing to voice concerns over the implications of these legal measures and potential state-sanctioned actions against the Serb population in Kosovo.