Terrorist attack in Banjska, trial begins – international warrants issued for 42 more defendants

The Basic Court of Pristina, Special Department, has announced that the trial has begun today in the criminal case known as the "Banjska" case against three suspects, Vladimir Tolliq, Blagoje Spasojevic and Dushan Maksimovic.

The Court has also issued international summons to 42 other defendants, who have been charged with the Indictment of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo, to ensure the presence of these defendants in the proceedings.

"At the Basic Court in Pristina - Special Department, today the trial begins in the criminal case known as the "Banjska" case, against the defendants BS, VT and DM, charged under the Indictment of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo PPS.nr.75/2023 dated 11.09.2024, for the criminal offense 'Committing a sanctioned terrorist offense' under Article 129 paragraph 3 in connection with paragraph 1 in connection with Article 128 paragraph 1, points 1.1, 1.3, 1.7 and 1.10 of the Criminal Code no. 06/L-074 of the Republic of Kosovo and the criminal offense Serious offenses against the constitutional order and security of the Republic of Kosovo sanctioned under Article 126 par.1 under par.1.1 and 1.2 in connection with Article 118 of the Criminal Code no. 06/L-074 of the Republic of Kosovo.

The Basic Court in Pristina, against forty-two (42) other defendants, who have been charged with the Indictment of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo, has issued an international summons to ensure the presence of these defendants in the proceedings, therefore their detention and extradition are expected, in order to conduct criminal proceedings against them," the announcement states.

The defense has requested from the judge that investigator Jeton Jetullahu not be present at the hearing. Meanwhile, the prosecutor in the case considered the defense's request unreasonable.

Meanwhile, Judge Arben Hoti approved the defense's proposal that investigator Jeton Jetullahu vacate the courtroom for the reason, as stated, that the phases of the criminal procedure are separate.

On September 24, 2023, a Serbian armed group attacked the Kosovo Police in Banjska, killing Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku. Three attackers were killed in the exchange of fire.

Kosovo considers the state of Serbia responsible for organizing and carrying out the attack.

The responsibility for the attack was taken by the former vice-president of the Serbian List, Millan Radoicic.

He is currently in Serbia, and an international arrest warrant has been issued against him by the International Police Organization (INTERPOL).

The international factor has requested many times that those responsible for the attack face justice. /Telegraph/