The Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade has confirmed that an investigation into Milan Radoičić over the armed attack in Banjska, northern Kosovo, in September 2023, remains ongoing, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported.
The statement followed Radoičić’s appearance at a campaign rally of Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in Kragujevac, ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 25.
Radoičić has admitted leading the armed group of Serbs that carried out the attack in Banjska, during which Kosovo Police officer Afrim Bunjaku was killed. Three members of the armed group also died in the subsequent exchange of fire.
In Serbia, the investigation concerns suspicions that Radoičić, together with several unidentified individuals, committed criminal offenses including conspiracy to commit crimes, the illegal manufacture, possession, carrying and trafficking of firearms and explosives, and serious offenses against public safety.
Chief Prosecutor Nenad Stefanović previously said that an indictment was expected by late 2024 or early 2025. However, no indictment has been filed to date, and the findings of the investigation have not been made public.
Radoičić was previously ordered to report to police twice a month. The Higher Court in Belgrade did not respond to RFE/RL’s inquiry about whether the measure remains in force.
Kosovo’s government has described Radoičić’s appearance at the SNS rally as evidence, in its assessment, that the Banjska attack was planned, financed and organized by the Serbian state. It called on the European Union and other Western countries to treat his presence at the event as a warning.
Kosovo considers the Banjska attack a terrorist act. Three of the 45 people indicted in connection with the case have been convicted by Kosovo’s judicial authorities, while the others, including Radoičić, remain at large, according to the report.
The international community has repeatedly called on Serbia to bring those responsible for the attack to justice. Radoičić has also been under US and UK sanctions for years over alleged involvement in international organized crime.
