Zikica Belosevic, 59, and Gruica Belosevic, 56, were arrested on October 29 on suspicion of involvement in war crimes against the civilian population in connection with the Padalishta massacre in the municipality of Istog, which took place on March 26, 1999.
Sources cited by Sinjali have revealed the identities of the two suspects, as well as details of the police operation, during which documents related to service in the Serbian Army during the Kosovo war were seized.
According to Sinjali’s sources, investigators from the Directorate for the Investigation of War Crimes had been investigating the massacre, in which members of the Imeraj family were killed, for an extended period.
After gathering witness statements and material evidence, a criminal report was submitted to the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo on September 25, 2026.
Zikica Belosevic Arrested in Osojan; Serbian Army Service Booklet Found
On the morning of October 29, investigators located and arrested Zikica Belosevic in the village of Osojan, in the municipality of Istog.
Following his arrest, police searched his home and associated buildings on the property.
During the search, investigators found a booklet documenting his service in the Serbian Army. According to the booklet, he had participated in the war until June 14, 1999.
Investigators also seized a war veterans’ membership booklet and eight photographs.
These materials have been included among the evidence collected during the investigation. Their significance in determining any potential criminal liability will be assessed during the proceedings.
Gruica Belosevic Arrested in Cerkolez
The operation continued in the village of Cerkolez, where the second suspect, Gruica Belosevic, was located and arrested at around 10:50 a.m.
Investigators also searched his property but found no material evidence during the search.
Both suspects were taken to the Directorate for the Investigation of War Crimes, where they were questioned as suspects in the presence of authorized interpreters and defence lawyers.
Following the interviews, the Special Prosecution ordered that both men be held in custody for 48 hours.
Zikica and Gruica Belosevic are suspected of committing the criminal offence of “war crimes against the civilian population” in connection with the events in Padalishta on March 26, 1999.
Investigations to determine their potential criminal responsibility are ongoing.
