At the Basic Court of Prishtina, a preliminary hearing will be held today for the criminal case where 21 defendants face charges for crimes committed during the war against the civilian population.

The Special Department of this court has confirmed that the names appearing in the dock are: Zllatomir Peshiq, Mlladen Cirkoviq, Radomir Markoviq, Dushko Adamoviq, Obrad Stevanoviq, Zhivko Trajkoviq, Goran Radosavleviq, Bogolub Janiçqviq, Sllavisha Ivanoviq, Boshko Vukiqeviq, Sreten Popoviq, Nikolla Petroviq, Kërsman Jellliq, Lubisha Stojimiroviq, Bozhidar Deliq, Radojko Stefanoviq, Dragan Zhivanoviq, Milosh Gjoshan, Lubinko Cvetiq, Bozhidar Filiq and Milovan Kovaçeviq.

The charge brought against them is for the criminal offense “War crimes against the civilian population”.

According to the court’s official announcement, the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo has requested that the proceedings be conducted in the absence of the defendants, since they have not been reachable up to the stage of filing the indictment.

Through a public statement, the Court has called on the accused to surrender voluntarily to the prosecuting authorities of the Republic of Kosovo.

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Two Serb defendants appeared today before the judicial panel at the Basic Court of Prishtina, charged in connection with the mass graves discovered yesterday in Zubin Potok.

Arbnora Luta, spokesperson for the Special Prosecution, stated that during this hearing a decision is expected on the pre-trial detention of the two suspects.

In the Kalludër area of Zubin Potok, on Tuesday, mortal remains and clothing were found, which authorities suspect belong to 23 missing intellectuals from the Mitrovica region.

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Today’s session for Laert Haxhiu, sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of Zamir Latifi and Jurgen Hoxha, lasted for hours, while further evidence was revealed in today’s trial.

Known otherwise as “the strongman of Lushnjë”, Laert Haxhiu is accused of the following criminal offenses: “Premeditated murders”, “Attempted murders”, “Securing conditions to commit murder”, “Destruction of property with explosives”, “Illegal possession of weapons” and “Armed robbery”.

Among the witnesses who appeared in the courtroom today to testify, besides Leonard Bashaliu, who is Albi Bashaliu’s brother, was Sami Bashaliu, the cousin of the two brothers mentioned, journalist Elton QYno reports.

The latter arrived to give his testimony at the Special Court, as he was one of the main witnesses to the event of December 27, 2021, when Laert Haxhiu, in collaboration with Enriko Xhahysa, Artan Tafani and Lulzim Spahia, organized the murder of Albi Bashaliu.

Sami Bashaliu is the owner of the bar where the victim (his cousin), after drinking his morning coffee, went outside and was then shot dead by Artan Tafani and Lulzim Spahia, who ambushed him in the street.

The elimination of Albi Bashaliu was seen entirely by Sami Bashaliu, so the prosecutor Behar Dibra had summoned him to hear his testimony before the Special Court.

As the session for his cousin’s killer was taking place, after the prosecutor was unable to formulate questions about the event, the court intervened asking Sami Bashaliu to avoid getting stuck in his expression and to tell them who killed his cousin.

Continuing his testimony about his cousin’s murder, Sami revealed that the perpetrators were masked with COVID masks. Asked about the physical appearance of the perpetrators, Bashaliu emphasized that one was tall and the other short.

The full testimony of witness Sami Bashaliu, the victim Albi Bashaliu’s cousin, secured by Elton Qyno:

Behar Dibra: Has there ever been a murder near your bar?

Sami Bashaliu: A couple of days, two or three, before New Year’s. Some time ago…

The court intervenes with questions: Please tell us details…

Sami Bashaliu: There was a nice car, I went out and looked around but didn’t see anything. I went back inside and lit the stove to warm up, whoever came for coffee. The late Bashaliu, he came in to drink coffee and the moment he walked out of the bar, someone spoke to him and Bashaliu turned his head. We heard the gunshot. The guy who shot was tall and thin, but he had his head covered with a mask. He shot him. The guys who were inside the bar got scared and ran away. There was one person who shot, there were two of them but one stayed in the car.

The court: Please tell us more, what do you remember…

Sami Bashaliu: He came out, spoke to Bashaliu and shot him. The one who shot stayed there, Bashaliu fell to the ground. I saw this, but they gestured at me with their hand “…go inside, go inside…”. I didn’t make a sound. He took Bashaliu’s keys, his phone, left them there, didn’t touch them. The other one set fire to the car with gasoline and they left. You know, the state did its job…

The court: Don’t go “uh uh” like that, who killed these people? And the other one, did we find out who killed Leonard Bashaliu?

Behar Dibra: When did the late Albi Bashaliu last visit the bar?

Sami Bashaliu: The night before, and the next morning the incident happened. It was maybe 7 a.m.

Behar Dibra: Did you see him off from the bar?

Sami Bashaliu: No, why would I see him off? It was around 11 at night, something like that.

Behar Dibra: Do you know the people the victim was with?

Sami Bashaliu: He was with people from our clan, we’re a big clan.

Behar Dibra: After the incident, did this person, Henriko Xhahysa, still come to your bar?

Sami Bashaliu: No.

Av Detar Hysi: Did you go to the deceased’s funeral?

Sami Bashaliu: Yes, I went.

Av Detar Hysi: How are your relations today?

Sami Bashaliu: Very good.

The court: Regarding the physical description of the two people, do you remember any distinctive features? Do you remember these people?

Sami Bashaliu: There were two of them. The one who committed the murder was tall and thin, the other one a bit shorter. They had hats and COVID masks.

The court: Any particular feature?

Sami Bashaliu: No, I didn’t see.

The court: Prosecutor Behar Dibra, do you have any other questions?

Behar Dibra: If you had the chance to see the tall and thin one as you described him, would you be able to identify him? Would you say this one shot a gun?

Sami Bashaliu: I swear I can’t tell for sure.

The post The ‘Strongman of Lushnjë’ main suspect in Albi Bashaliu’s murder, victim’s cousin ‘freezes’ in session, court intervenes: Don’t go ‘uh uh’, say who killed him appeared first on Albeu.com.

Today’s session against Laert Haxhiu, sentenced to life imprisonment for the murders of Zamir Latifi and Jurgen Hoxha, lasted for hours, and further testimony emerged from today’s hearing.

Known as “the strongman of Lushnjë”, Laert Haxhiu is accused of the following criminal offenses: “Premeditated murders”, “Attempted murders”, “Providing conditions to commit murder”, “Destruction of property with explosives”, “Unlicensed possession of weapons” and “Armed robbery”.

Among the witnesses who appeared in the courtroom today to testify, in addition to Leonard Bashaliu, who is the brother of Albi Bashaliu, was Sami Bashaliu, the cousin of the duo in question, reports journalist Elton Qyno.

The latter arrived to give his testimony at the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime, as he was one of the main witnesses to the events of December 27, 2021, when Laert Haxhiu, in collaboration with Enriko Xhahysa, Artan Tafani and Lulzim Spahia, organized the murder of Albi Bashaliu.

Sami Bashaliu is the owner of the cafe where the victim (his cousin) had his morning coffee, then went outside and was shot dead by Artan Tafani and Lulzim Spahia, who ambushed him on the road.

The elimination of Albi Bashaliu was entirely witnessed by Sami Bashaliu, so the prosecution representative Behar Dibra had summoned him to hear his testimony before the Special Court.

As the session for his cousin’s killer was underway, when the prosecutor was unable to formulate questions about the event, the court intervened, asking Sami Bashaliu to avoid freezing up while speaking and to tell who killed his cousin.

Continuing with his testimony about his cousin’s murder, Sami revealed that the perpetrators wore COVID masks. Asked about the physical appearance of the perpetrators, Bashaliu stressed that one was tall and the other short.

The full testimony of the witness, Sami Bashaliu, cousin of the victim Albi Bashaliu, secured by Elton Qyno:

Behar Dibra: Has there ever been a murder near your cafe?

Sami Bashaliu: Two or three days before New Year’s. Some time ago…

The court intervenes with a question: Please tell us details…

Sami Bashaliu: There was a nice car, I went out and looked around but saw nothing. I went inside, lit the stove, to warm up whoever came for coffee. The late Bashaliu came in for coffee and the moment he left the cafe, someone spoke to him and Bashaliu turned his head. The sound of a gun was heard. That guy who shot was a tall, thin one, but he had his head covered with a mask. He shot him. The guys in the cafe got scared and ran. It was one person who shot, they were two but one stayed in the car.

Court: Please tell us more what you remember…

Sami Bashaliu: He came out, spoke to Bashaliu and shot him. The one who shot stayed there, Bashaliu fell to the ground. I saw this, but they motioned to me with their hand “go inside, go inside…”. I didn’t make a sound. He took Bashaliu’s keys, phone, left them there, didn’t move them. The other one set the car on fire with gasoline and they left. You know, the state did its job…

Court: Don’t hem and haw like that, who killed these people? And about the other one, was it found out who killed Leonard Bashaliu?

Behar Dibra: When did the late Albi Bashaliu last visit the cafe?

Sami Bashaliu: The night before, the next day the incident happened. It was 7 o’clock maybe.

Behar Dibra: Did you see him off from the cafe?

Sami Bashaliu: No, why should I, it was 11 at night or something like that.

Behar Dibra: Did you know the persons the victim hung out with?

Sami Bashaliu: He stayed with our own clan, because we are a large clan.

Behar Dibra: After the incident, did this Henriko Xhahysa come to the cafe?

Sami Bashaliu: No.

Av Detar Hysi: Did you go to the funeral of the deceased?

Sami Bashaliu: Yes, I went.

Av Detar Hysi: And today, how are your relations?

Sami Bashaliu: Very good.

Court: Regarding the physical description of the two persons, do you remember any characteristic of theirs? Do you remember these persons?

Sami Bashaliu: They were two. The one who committed the murder was tall and thin, the other a bit shorter. They had hats and COVID masks.

Court: Any particular element?

Sami Bashaliu: No, I didn’t see.

Court: Prosecutor Behar Dibra, do you have any other questions?

Behar Dibra: If you had the chance to see, as you describe, this tall and thin one, would you be able to describe him? Would you be able to say that he fired a gun?

Sami Bashaliu: By God, I can’t determine.

The post “The Strongman of Lushnjë” Main Suspect in Albi Bashaliu’s Murder, Victim’s Cousin “Freezes” in Court, Judge Intervenes: “Stop Hemming and Hawing, Tell Us Who Killed Him” appeared first on Albeu.com.

Sami Bashalliu, the cousin of Albi Bashalliu, testified about the murder of the latter at a bar on December 27, 2021, in Gjocaj, Peqin.

He recounted that initially the killer got out of an Audi, had a brief conversation with the victim, and then opened fire.

According to his testimony, after the crime the perpetrators set fire to Bashalliu’s car and fled the scene.

“A murder happened near my bar, about 3-4 years ago, just before New Year’s. I run a small business in front of my house, in the village of Gjocaj, Peqin. That morning it was raining. I saw a white Audi with Albanian license plates and tinted windows parked near the bar. My wife said the car looked suspicious. I walked over but saw no one inside.

Shortly after, one of the people in the car got out, approached Albi Bashalliu, and exchanged a few words. Immediately gunshots rang out. I had never seen that person before; he was wearing a mask. He shot Albi 2 or 3 times. The guys sitting in the bar panicked, got up, and left. There were two people in the vehicle, but only one of them fired.

Albi fell to the ground. Then the perpetrators went back to their car and set the victim’s car on fire. I went inside the bar. I just watched, I did nothing. Albi hadn’t come to our bar lately, not since his brother was killed. I knew nothing about his background. Albi’s brother, Leonard, had been murdered a few years earlier. Albi mostly lived in Italy. As for the perpetrator, I’ve heard the name Albert Xhahysa mentioned. That’s what people were saying in the area, but I personally know nothing,” said Sami Bashalliu.

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At the Basic Court of Pristina, a hearing was held today for Jovan and Dragisha Viqentijeviq, who face charges of participating in the terrorist attack that struck the Ibër-Lepenc canal in November 2023.

Both defendants again pleaded not guilty to the charges they face, reiterating their stance even after the initial hearing.

The Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo has emphasized that the evidence gathered during the investigative phase confirms the involvement of the accused in the relevant criminal offenses.

Furthermore, the prosecuting body has highlighted that the investigations have also brought to light the role of the Serbian Government in the preparatory phase of this terrorist act.

At Wednesday’s hearing, witness Ernest Kerqeli, director of the Water and Generation Department, testified about the events after the explosion. He stated that police units, KFOR, and company employees had quickly arrived at the incident site, and that damage repairs were allowed only after approval from investigators.

During questioning by the presiding judge, Vesel Ismaili, Kerqeli affirmed that he had not noticed any sign of explosion or the presence of persons in that area.

When asked about the consequences that would have resulted without immediate intervention, witness Kerqeli warned that the consequences for Kosovo’s citizens and infrastructure would have been extraordinary. He explained that the lack of electricity, telephone services, heating, and water would have been evident, greatly impacting Pristina and the areas supplied by Termokos, as well as the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK). According to him, the immediate shutdown of Thermal Power Plant B would have caused severe infrastructural damage, costing millions of euros per day, an amount that would increase for every 24 hours of delay.

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The trial in the criminal case against Milorad Gjoković, who is accused of war crimes against Albanian civilians, will be reopened following a decision by the Basic Court in Pristina, KosovaPress reports.

The decision concerns the statement of witness Nurije Krasniqi, who said she had been questioned by police about the case immediately after the war, although she could not remember the date on which she gave her testimony.

At the request of the defendant’s lawyers, the court had asked the Institute for Crimes Committed During the War in Kosovo to obtain the statement. However, the Institute said it did not have such testimony in its possession.

Presiding judge Donika Shala Abdyli said that, following a review of the case file, it had been determined that not all avenues for locating this evidence had been exhausted. According to her, reopening the proceedings is necessary to fully clarify the case, as Krasniqi testified under oath that she had given evidence to police authorities after the war ended.

The court will inquire whether the statement is held at the police station in Peja and, if necessary, by international institutions that operated in Kosovo after the war, including UNMIK and EULEX. Shala Abdyli stressed that the aim is for the final decision to be based on the most comprehensive possible examination of the evidence.

If the testimony cannot be obtained, then, depending on the findings, Nurije Krasniqi may be summoned to testify before the court again.

According to the prosecution’s indictment, during 1998-1999, in the village of Ozdrim in Peja and other villages in the region, Gjoković is suspected of having taken measures, in his capacity as a member of the Serbian police and military forces, that included the killing, searching, beating, mistreatment, arrest, torture, cruel and inhumane treatment, enslavement, expulsion and deportation of dozens of Albanian civilians.

He is also charged with looting, burning and destroying the homes of the Albanian civilian population.

The indictment, drawn up on June 23, 2023, states that regular military forces had entered Ozdrim from the north via the Peja-Mitrovica regional road. Meanwhile, mixed paramilitary groups and members of special military units had advanced from the west of the village, in the direction of Vitomirica.

The indictment alleges that these forces opened fire on the civilian population, killing six Albanian civilians identified by the initials I.K., Sh.K., E.M., R.Sh., Z.Sh. and M.H.

Three other civilians, A.G., H.G. and M.G., were wounded by gunfire and initially taken to Peja Hospital. According to the prosecution, they were later executed and buried in the village of Lutogllava.

Five other Albanian civilians, R.K., Z.K., A.K., A.K. and A.Sh., are also suspected of having been killed during the offensive. Their bodies have not been found, and they remain listed as missing persons.

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Former Speaker of the Parliament of Kosovo, Jakup Krasniqi, in an exclusive conversation with Radio Television of Kosovo from his detention cell in The Hague, expresses his unwavering conviction that on September 16 justice will illuminate the righteous character of the KLA conflict. He also shares his views on the trial, the political scene in the country, family ties, and his message for the youth. The full interview will be broadcast after the central news on RTK.

Awaiting the conclusion of one of the most talked-about post-war legal processes, Jakup Krasniqi speaks for the first time exclusively from the detention facilities. The former legislative leader discusses extensively the progress of the trial, hopes for the September verdict, longing for his loved ones, the political landscape in Kosovo, and the legacy he aims to bequeath to future generations.

Krasniqi is convinced that the conclusion of this case against him and his co-accused Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, and Rexhep Selimi will legitimize the justice of the Kosovo Liberation Army’s fight.

“I am deeply convinced that when every piece of evidence is analyzed, the truth will emerge and just how pure our war was will receive the deserved confirmation. I had the privilege and immense pride of serving as the voice of the KLA. My instruments were the pen and communication; with them I showed the democratic world the reality and the suffering of my nation. I believe with all my soul that this judiciary will serve history by documenting that our resistance was an honest, unblemished, and absolutely necessary cause for freedom,” he stated.

When asked about the country’s political situation, he urged leaders to raise the national interest above partisan ones and to remember the blood shed for the foundations of the Republic of Kosovo.

“Building a state is never a simple journey, therefore my message to current leaders is that positions and governments come and go, but Kosovo is eternal. Along this path, it must not be allowed to forget the extraordinary human cost invested in our institutions. Kosovo has no room for unnecessary internal clashes or shallow clan agendas. Our challenges, whether domestic or in the international and geostrategic arena, require a multi-year visionary plan that transcends the four-year horizons of power,” he emphasized.

Krasniqi, held in The Hague since November 2020, also has a touching message for his sons, daughters and grandchildren who were born during his isolation.

“I want my descendants to know that the independence they enjoy was not a random gift, its price is still being paid. My guidance for them is simple: never compromise their conscience and dignity, regardless of pressures or possible rewards. This physical distance will come to an end, but what remains forever is the honor and unsullied name that we bequeath to you,” he said.

In the full account, the only one Jakup Krasniqi has given from the detention center, he also discusses the perception of the KLA, relations with the international factor, existence behind bars, and hopes for the September 16 verdict.

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At the Basic Court of Prishtina, Sami Lushtaku, mayor of Skenderaj, together with Ismet Haxha, Rrustem Rukolli, Rexhep Xhota, Fatmir Mjaku, Skender Tahiri, Bajram Dibrani and Sheremet Jashari, await the moment of closing statements regarding charges of organized crime and intimidation of protected witnesses in the “Drenica 1” case, KosovaPress reports.

In the preliminary hearing, the defendants chose to exercise their right to remain silent, staying silent throughout the proceedings.

The judicial process at these moments is proceeding only on three counts of the indictment, specifically numbers 16, 17, and 18.

The rest of the case file also included Emrush Thaqi, Shemsi Hajrizi, Sahit Jashari, Mergim Lushtaku, Dardan Geci, Bashkim Dervisholli, Valon Behramaj, Argjent Behramaj, Yll Blakaj, Gzim Ahmeti, Xhevdet Zena, Mervete Hasani-Lushtaku, Agim Ukaj, Ismail Dibrani, Sami Gjoka and Nexhib Shatri.

On April 5, 2018, the Basic Court in Prishtina had decided not to accept the defense lawyers’ requests to dismiss the indictment and challenge the evidence, reasoning that the criminal offense was not time-barred and that the defense did not bring convincing arguments to support the claims. This stance was upheld by the Court of Appeals in July of the same year.

Another separate case, that of the removal of Sami Lushtaku and other persons from the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK), had its epilogue on April 14, 2020. At that time, Lushtaku was in pre-trial detention for the “Drenica” case and was at UCCK for medical services, when the 2014 incident occurred.

Regarding the charge for that escape from UCCK, the judges acquitted the mayor of Skenderaj, but fined him 12,000 euros for two other instances of escape, which were recorded on August 21 and September 22, 2015.

Meanwhile, the indictment by EULEX prosecutor Romulo Matues, filed on November 17, 2016, was precisely related to criminal offenses concerning the removal of Lushtaku and his co-accused from UCCK, all of whom had previously been convicted in the so-called “Drenica Group” and were sent for medical treatment due to their health problems.

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Investigations into a nine-member group as part of the “Metamorphosis” file have concluded, and the case has been forwarded for trial to the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO). Among the defendants are names such as Nuredin Dumani, the justice collaborator, Ervis Martinaj, who has been declared missing since August 2022, Prekë Kodra, and Aleks Ndreka, also known as “Leksi i Druve,” all linked to the “Bajri” criminal group.

The charges brought by prosecutors Arben Kraja and Bledar Maksuti relate to the murder of Gjin Borici Ndoj in Vau i Dejës, an event that occurred in 2020. Businessman Pëllumb Gjoka, Behar Bajri (Brajoviq), and other defendants are already facing trial for this matter. According to SPAK, the defendants will also be tried for creating the conditions for the murder of Ibrahim Lici, Dorian Duli, and Genc Tafili, who were considered adversaries of the “Bajri” group, as well as for the preparation of the murder of Kleant Musabelliu.

The charges include the criminal offenses of premeditated murder carried out in the special form of cooperation, structured criminal group, and providing the conditions and means to commit murder, along with other criminal offenses.

The “Metamorphosis” file will undergo an electronic draw at GJKKO to determine the judge who will preside over the preliminary hearing. This file, built by SPAK based on communications from the encrypted Sky ECC platform, has been fragmented into several parts. Final decisions have already been rendered for some of the defendants, while the rest of the proceedings continue to be examined in court.

The full list of individuals who will face trial includes: Ervis Martinaj, Denis Brajoviq, Klaodor Hakaj, Prekë Kodra, Aleks Ndreka, Nuredin Dumani, Eljon Hato, Arsad Bashli, and Bardhyl Mavraj.

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