Another Kosovo government official, Deputy Minister of Local Government Administration Arber Vokrri, visited North Mitrovica on Thurday, only to be met with protests led by Serb Democracy party leader Aleksandar Arsenijevic, alongside a number of citizens and civil activists.

As Vokrri appeared on the Mitrovica promenade, presumably giving an interview to a local TV crew, protesters began blowing whistles and chanting “propaganda.” The protesters, initially civil activists, were soon joined by Arsenijevic and other citizens in their vocal opposition.

Kosovo police, who were overseeing Vokrri’s visit, formed a barrier to prevent the protesters from approaching the official, KoSSev reported.

Arsenijevic voiced his frustration, accusing the police of preventing him from walking freely in his own city.

“I’ve lived here since I was a child, I grew up here. And now you’re telling me I can’t walk where I please because he’s here? Let him leave, not me. This is my home. If he has a problem, he should leave,” Arsenijevic told the police.

Throughout Vokrri’s interview, the protesters continued to blow whistles and chant slogans. The crowd eventually followed Vokrri as he made his way toward the main Ibar Bridge, maintaining their loud protest.

Turning towards the demonstrators, Vokri made a brief statement to the press:

“I came here to meet the citizens. Some aren’t too happy about that. We’re here to help, to extend services to the people, to understand their needs and address them.”