Protests erupt in Pristina over Special Court legislation

On Monday, October 5, 2026, violent protests broke out in Pristina, Kosovo, as demonstrators surrounded the parliament building to demand the urgent passage of legislation modifying the law on the Special Court in The Hague. The unrest followed the parliament's preliminary approval of a bill submitted by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) with 91 votes in favor.

During the standoff, protesters prevented lawmakers from leaving the site, physically intervening to block exits. In one notable incident, Vetëvendosje (LVV) MP Fakhri Rexhepi was surrounded and forcibly escorted back into the parliament compound by protesters before police intervened to bring him inside. The demonstration escalated into clashes, with protesters throwing stones, firecrackers, and fireworks. Law enforcement responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.

Casualty reports vary, with local sources stating 17 people were injured, including six police officers, while Associated Press reports cite hospital data indicating 12 injuries. Authorities have detained three individuals in connection with the unrest. The protesters remain committed to preventing legislators from departing until the legislative process for the court's amendments is finalized.