UN police arrest four suspected of serious crimes against other Kosovo Albanians

United Nations police in Kosovo today arrested four men suspected of committing serious crimes against other Kosovo Albanians in June 1999, the UN mission in the province said today.

The crimes, which occurred in Kosovo after the conflict in that province had ended, involved unlawful detention and serious assault, according to police with the UN Interim Administration Mission (UNMIK). All the victims were Kosovo Albanians and most of them are still listed as missing.

UNMIK police officers also arrested a fifth person during the operation when evidence of illegal weapons was discovered, although that person was not wanted in connection with the offences allegedly committed by the other four.

The arrests follow an official request from an International Public Prosecutor and after a comprehensive police investigation, UNMIK said. The upcoming investigation to confirm the charges will be undertaken by an experienced international investigating judge. Until the allegations are established, the Mission said it would not release the names or affiliations of the suspects.