The prosecution and adjudication of war crimes in Kosovo during 2025 marked a year of significant judicial developments, including multiple convictions, one acquittal, the launch of new trials, and an increase in indictments filed in absentia.
All proceedings were conducted under the jurisdiction of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo (SPRK) and the Special Department of the Basic Court in Prishtina.
According to reporting by Betimi për Drejtësi (Oath for Justice), despite ongoing judicial reforms, war crimes cases were not delayed and faced no procedural postponements throughout the year.
Eight Convictions for War Crimes
During 2025, the Basic Court in Prishtina – Special Department issued eight guilty verdicts, imposing prison sentences ranging from five to fifteen years.
Those convicted include:
- Dragiša Milenković, sentenced to seven years for torturing Albanian detainees;
- Časlav Jolić, sentenced to five years and six months for war crimes committed in Istog;
- Zoran Vukotić, sentenced to 15 years under four consolidated indictments;
- Slaviša Filić, Ivica Rajković, and Dragan Denić, each sentenced to 15 years following trials in absentia;
- Miloš Plesković, sentenced to 15 years for the killing of Albanian civilians in Prizren;
- Shaqir Lutvija and Sladan Trajković, each sentenced to 10 years for crimes against the civilian population.
One Acquittal
On June 16, 2025, the Basic Court in Prishtina acquitted Gavrilo Milosavljević, who had been charged with war crimes related to the Dubrava Prison massacre, citing insufficient evidence.
Ongoing and Newly Initiated Trials
Throughout the year, numerous high-profile trials were initiated or continued, including cases involving:
- Ramadan Morina (Malishevë);
- Dragutin Nasković (Zhegër);
- 53 defendants charged in connection with the Meja massacre, tried in absentia;
- Additional proceedings in Peja, Gjakova, Istog, Prishtina, and Malishevë.
Several cases also returned to trial following decisions by the Court of Appeals.
Indictments Filed in Absentia
In 2025, the Special Prosecution significantly intensified the filing of indictments in absentia, due to the continued unavailability of suspects to Kosovo’s justice institutions.
According to the SPRK:
- 11 war crimes indictments were filed by December 1, 2025;
- 36 individuals were charged, 33 of whom are to be tried in absentia;
- Eight motions for pre-trial detention were submitted against ten individuals.
The indictments cover grave crimes, including massacres, mass killings, forced displacement, torture, and the destruction of civilian property, notably related to Meja, Reçak, Llashtica, and Prishtina Prison.
A Sustained Push for Accountability
The developments of 2025 reflect a continued institutional commitment to confronting the legacy of war crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice, reinforcing Kosovo’s efforts toward rule of law, accountability, and transitional justice.
