The trial of Vladimir Toliq, Blagoje Spasojević, and Dušan Maksimović—accused of participating in the armed attack in Banjska, Zveçan—officially began today at the Basic Court in Pristina. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to charges related to terrorism and the fatal shooting of Kosovo Police sergeant Afrim Bunjaku in September 2023.
Also present in the courtroom were family members of the fallen officer, accompanied by their legal representative, lawyer Arianit Koci. Presiding judge Arben Hoti initiated the hearing by verifying the personal details of the accused, confirming that no changes had occurred.
Tensions arose during the session when Judge Hoti denied a request by one of the defense lawyers to sit next to her client in a seat reserved for a corrections officer, citing the rules of the Kosovo Correctional Service. The defense teams also argued that reading the indictment aloud was unnecessary, as it had already been presented during previous hearings.
The prosecution was joined by legal assistants and an investigator from the Department of Anti-Terrorism. However, the defense objected to the investigator’s presence next to the prosecutor, calling it unnecessary. The court sided with the defense and ordered the investigator to leave the courtroom, a decision that was complied with immediately.
Each of the accused firmly denied the charges against them. Blagoje Spasojević stated, “I am not guilty of the charges in this indictment.” Vladimir Toliq said, “I am not guilty of the acts attributed to me.” Dušan Maksimović echoed the sentiment, declaring, “I am not guilty of the acts attributed to me in this indictment.”
The case continues under intense public and media scrutiny, given the serious nature of the charges and the wider implications for Kosovo’s national security and interethnic relations.
