Former Kosovo Police Director Reshat Maliqi said that the Special Unit acted to maintain order and security after it went to Skenderaj late last night, a few hours after the beating of Deputy Minister of Finance Hysni Mehani, who said that the mayor of this municipality, Sami Lushtaku, and his companions were attacked.
According to Maliqi, the presence of the Special Unit in Skenderaj was intended to prevent any escalation of the situation and the reactions of citizens towards the police officers were unnecessary.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support Contribute"The Special Unit went with the best intention, to maintain order and maintain the safety of citizens so that there is no escalation of the situation. Their (citizens') remarks seem to me to be unfounded because the Police, namely the Special Unit, always conduct routine checks throughout Pristina with the same equipment, long weapons," Maliqi declared on KTV's "60 Minutes".
He said that the equipment and weaponry carried by the Special Unit are standard and used in regular police operations.
"It doesn't matter. Every time the Special Unit reacts, it's the regular equipment they carry with them. The police have been very calm, they have been subjected to all kinds of insults and contempt yesterday evening," he said.
Maliqi assessed that the Kosovo Police has demonstrated professionalism and composure in managing the situation.
"In all cases, it has been proven that the Police are professional and cold-blooded. There is no need to dramatize this case. It is the obligation of every citizen to respect the country's institutions," Maliqi declared.