Special Prosecution Office files indictment against A.D. for war crimes in Kaçanik

The Special Prosecution Office of the Republic of Kosovo has filed an indictment with the Basic Court in Pristina against A.D., who is charged with the criminal offenses of “War crimes against the civilian population” and “Unauthorized possession, control or ownership of weapons.”

According to the indictment, the events took place on March 9, 1999, in the village of Ivajë and the surrounding settlements in the Municipality of Kaçanik. At the time, A.D. was a police officer at the Kaçanik Police Station and is suspected of having participated, together with members of the Serbian police and military forces and other individuals who have not yet been identified, in the torture, inhumane treatment, intimidation, destruction of property and expulsion of Albanian civilians.

The indictment alleges that Serbian forces initially surrounded the village of Ivajë and then forced residents to leave their homes. After they left, the homes were allegedly burned and destroyed.

The men were separated from the women and taken to the Kaçanik Police Station. Of these, 78 people were released, while 13 others remained detained for questioning. According to the allegations in the indictment, the latter were beaten and tortured by A.D. and other individuals who have not yet been identified.

The case has been referred for review to the Special Department of the Basic Court in Pristina. The defendant is currently in pretrial detention.