The European Union (EU) has once again urged that those responsible for the armed attack in Banjska, Zvecan, face justice.
In a statement marking the second anniversary of the attack, the EU Office in Kosovo emphasized:
“We expect the authorities in Serbia to arrest and prosecute those residing in Serbia for the relevant charges before a Serbian court,” the EU stated in a response to Radio Free Europe.
On September 24, 2023, a group of armed Serbs attacked the Kosovo Police in Banjska, resulting in the death of officer Afrim Bunjaku. Three of the assailants were also killed during the clashes that followed.
Millan Radoičić, former deputy of the Serb List, claimed responsibility for the attack. Radoičić remains in Belgrade, where Serbian authorities require him to report twice a month. Kosovo has requested his extradition.
Last year, Kosovo indicted 45 suspects in connection with the Banjska attack. Only three are currently on trial in Pristina, while the others remain unreachable for Kosovar authorities. All three defendants deny the charges.
The EU expressed ongoing concern over reports of suspected Banjska attackers participating in protests in Serbia. During recent anti-government demonstrations led by students, individuals linked to the Banjska attack were reportedly present, even providing security for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
The EU Office in Kosovo also noted that in October 2023, the EU Special Representative for Kosovo sent a request for mutual legal assistance from Kosovo authorities to Serbia, which has yet to receive a response. The EU stressed that Serbia must cooperate through official legal channels.
Furthermore, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas has raised the issue directly with President Vučić and intends to continue pressing the matter during meetings with Western Balkan leaders in New York.
Kosovo considers the Banjska attack a terrorist act and an aggression, blaming Serbia, which denies involvement. On the second anniversary of the attack, Kosovar authorities reiterated calls for the extradition of those accused, urging the international community to pressure Serbia. However, Serbia has refused extradition, claiming the accused will be tried locally, and no charges have yet been formally filed.
