The Serbian Orthodox Church rejected the British MP's claims that weapons smuggled from Serbia are "stored" in the premises of this church in Kosovo. Kosovo institutions are conducting an investigation. The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said on July 5 that he will have information after meetings with NATO representatives in Kosovo and Kosovo's security institutions. Meanwhile, Serbian officials have strongly opposed the accusations against the Serbian Orthodox Church. 

Toby Vogel, associate of the Council for Democratization Policies in Brussels, emphasized the controversial role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo, saying that it is a political actor. "The Serbian Orthodox Church is an instrument of influence of the Serbian authorities, both in Kosovo and in other neighboring countries," said Vogel. All this was preceded by the claims of the British MP, Alicia Kearns, about the deposit of smuggled weapons in the premises of the Serbian Orthodox Church. 

What has the British MP specifically stated? 

Alicia Kearns, British MP and chairwoman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the British Parliament, stated in Parliament, on July 4, that weapons are smuggled from Serbia to Kosovo in ambulances and that they are "deposited" in the premises of the Serbian Orthodox Church. 

"The Government [of Great Britain] are aware, with soldiers who have just returned from serving in KFOR, that weapons are being smuggled across the border into Orthodox churches in ambulances. When our troops try to get permission to go get them, the permissions take too long. By the time permission is granted, surprise, the ambulance shows up at the church and guns are taken again,” Kearns said. 

On the same day, the Diocese of Rashka - Prizren also reacted, saying that it is "a very dangerous accusation, which criminalizes the Serbian Orthodox Church". In a statement, the Diocese requested that the allegations made by the British MP be urgently investigated.