At the request of a EULEX prosecutor conducting a criminal investigation into <war crimes against the civilian population> committed in April 1999, the EULEX Police War Crimes Investigation Unit (WCIU) carried out an operation today in the municipality of Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, in the region of Gjilan/Gnjilane. The operation started at 6 AM.

Four people were arrested.

All four suspects are of Serbian ethnicity.

The charges relate to alleged inhuman treatment; immense suffering or violation of bodily integrity or health; application of measures of intimidation and terror, and illegal arrest and detention.

During the search of the suspects’ premises, several items were seized.

Under order of the prosecutor, a fifth person was also arrested at the scene, for obstruction of official duty.

The interviews of the suspects are ongoing.

Both the Kosovo police (KP) and KFOR took part in the operation.