Trial over attack on Ibër-Lepenc canal resumes November 11 with new presiding judge

On November 11, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., the Basic Court in Prishtina will resume the trial of three people accused of attacking the Ibër-Lepenc canal in the village of Varagë in Zubin Potok.

The court confirmed to KosovaPress that a new presiding judge has been appointed. The appointment clears the way for the trial to continue after the last hearing was adjourned.

The previous hearing was held on October 19, but no date was set for the next one at the time. Vesel Ismaili, who had been presiding over the judicial panel, had announced that he would end his professional career due to retirement. For that reason, the case required the appointment of a new presiding judge.

Brothers Dragisha and Jovan Viqentijeviq, along with Igor Dimoviq, are on trial. All three face charges brought by the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo and have pleaded not guilty.

The case concerns an explosion in Varagë, Zubin Potok, that severely damaged part of the Ibër-Lepenc canal. The infrastructure is particularly important for the supply of drinking water and the operation of Kosovo’s energy sector.

The Special Prosecution’s indictment states that the Viqentijeviq brothers are suspected of placing a substantial amount of explosives inside the canal together with other people who have not yet been identified. According to the indictment, the aim was to damage vital infrastructure and endanger the country’s security.

The explosion caused considerable material damage and put the water supply and electricity generation at risk.