The Basic Court in Prishtina is expected to deliver its verdict today, October 21, in the war crimes trial of Millorad Đoković, who is accused of crimes against the Albanian civilian population in the village of Ozdrim, in the Peja region, and surrounding villages.
The verdict is scheduled to be announced at 1:30 p.m. before the court’s Special Department.
According to the indictment filed on June 23, 2023, Đoković is accused of participating in killings, raids, beatings, arrests, torture and inhumane treatment of Albanian civilians during 1998 and 1999, while allegedly serving as a member of Serbian police and military forces. The charges also include enslavement, the expulsion of civilians and deportation.
Six civilians allegedly killed during the May 1999 offensive
The prosecution’s case describes a military and police offensive in May 1999, during which Serbian forces allegedly surrounded and attacked Ozdrim from three directions.
According to the indictment, six Albanian civilians were killed during the attack. Three other civilians who were wounded were reportedly taken to Peja Hospital before allegedly being executed and buried in Lutogllavë.
Five additional civilians who were allegedly killed during the offensive remain listed as missing, as their bodies have not been found.
Around 40 people allegedly detained and tortured
The prosecution further alleges that approximately 40 people were arrested during the same operation and detained for three days in a garage known as “Shupa e Shemit,” near the police substation in Ozdrim.
According to the indictment, the detainees were deprived of food and water and subjected to physical torture.
After three days, 12 people were reportedly released, while the remaining 28 were transferred first to Peja and subsequently to a prison in Leskovac, Serbia, where, according to the prosecution, the mistreatment continued.
Đoković has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The court is expected to announce its verdict today.
