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BELGRADE — Prosecutors on Tuesday ordered the arrest of a man accused of setting fire to the U.S. Embassy during riots against Kosovo's independence.
The unidentified man is accused of "serious act against public security" and theft, spokesman Tomo Zoric said. He could face up to 12 years in prison if convicted.
Serbs angered by Western recognition Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia attacked foreign embassies two weeks ago, forcing some to shut down temporarily. Fires set by protesters damaged the U.S. Embassy building.
The rioters also destroyed several banks and a McDonalds restaurant, and looted nearly 100 shops in the capital, Belgrade.
The Serbian government was criticized for failing to adequately protect foreign missions.
Kosovo's ethnic Albanian leaders declared independence on Feb. 17 but Serbia has refused to endorse the move, vowing to one day retake the territory it considers its historic and religious heartland.
