The three accused in the attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal plead not guilty

Dragisha Viqentijeviq, Jovan Viqentijeviq and Igor Dimoviq, the latter defending himself while at liberty, denied the charges related to the November 29, 2024 attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal in Varagë, Zubin-Potok, during their appearance at the Basic Court in Prishtina.

Before the court, Jovan Viqentijeviq said he does not admit guilt for the charges against him.

“No, I do not feel guilty,” he said.

Dragisha Viqentijeviq also stated that he bears no responsibility for the criminal offenses he is accused of.

“I do not feel guilty for the offenses I am charged with,” he said.

Igor Dimoviq, who is defending himself while at liberty, also pleaded not guilty.

“I do not feel guilty for the offense I am charged with,” he said.

According to the indictment by the Special Prosecution, on November 29, 2024, at around 18:50, in the village of Varagë in the Municipality of Zubin-Potok, brothers Dragisha and Jovan Viqentijeviq placed explosive material on a section of the Ibër-Lepenc canal, public infrastructure used for the supply of drinking water and for the needs of the Kosovo Energy Corporation in electricity generation.

The indictment, drafted by special prosecutor Bekim Kodraliu, states that they, together with other still unidentified persons, after a prior agreement and with the aim of seriously intimidating the population, as well as undermining the constitutional order and security of the Republic of Kosovo, placed about 20 kilograms of Trinitrotoluene (TNT) inside the canal.

The prosecution claims that the explosive was placed in a bag, which was tied with rope to a concrete pillar, with the aim of causing serious damage to critical water supply and electricity infrastructure.

According to the indictment, the defendants activated the explosive material by lighting a slow-burning fuse, causing a powerful explosion and severely damaging the concrete structure of the Ibër-Lepenc canal.

As a result of the explosion, according to the Prosecution, the supply of drinking water to residents of several northern and central municipalities of Kosovo was interrupted, the water supply to KEK was hindered, and electricity generation at the national level was put at risk.

Through these actions, the Prosecution says, the accused created a serious threat to the life and security of the population and also damaged the state’s critical infrastructure. The material damage caused to the Ibër-Lepenc enterprise is estimated at 376 thousand 774 euros and 70 cents.

They are charged with having jointly committed the criminal offense of “Endangering the constitutional order by destroying or damaging public installations and equipment,” in connection with the criminal offense of “Committing a terrorist act,” under the relevant provisions of Kosovo’s Criminal Code.

In the second count of the indictment, the Viqentijeviq brothers also face charges of unauthorized weapons possession. The prosecution says that during searches carried out by the Kosovo Police at their homes in Zubin-Potok and in the village of Prevllak in this municipality, a considerable quantity of military weapons was found and seized.