Kosovo police attack environmental activists in Serb enclave

Local citizens who tried to stop the construction of a mini-hydroelectric power plant came under attack as they were trying to protect their rights.

Nikolic assessed and warned that the use of tear gas and batons - that resulted in 20 people being injured - was an attack on all residents of Strpce.
"The entire municipal leadership and I personally have always stood with our people, and so it will continue. What happened this morning, when, due to the excessive use of force, 20 people were injured, is something that is unacceptable and something that should never be repeated," Nikolic told Tanjug, and reiterated that all problems must be solved "only peacefully."
The Municipality of Strpce previously made a decision to stop the construction of the mini-hydro power plant as it would result in contamination of drinking water for the local community. The local government's decision remains in force, despite the Kosovo police action carried out on Friday.
The Municipality of Strpce said they would discuss Friday's events with (Kosovo) authorities, and ask for an explanation of this kind of use of force against law-abiding local citizens.
The Serbian Government's Office for Kosovo and Metohija, meanwhile, strongly condemned the use of brutal police force against those opposing the construction of the hydro-power plant in their municipality.