The Chief Prosecutor of Kosovo’s Special Prosecution Office, Blerim Isufaj, has rejected a defense request to exclude Special Prosecutor Bekim Kodraliu from the high-profile “Ibër–Lepenci” case, which concerns a terrorist attack on the Ibër–Lepenci water canal in Zubin Potok.
The decision was confirmed by Arbnora Luta, spokesperson for the Special Prosecution, who stated that the request submitted by the defense was found to be unfounded and was formally dismissed.
Defense Attempt to Remove Prosecutor
The issue arose during the initial court hearing on December 24, which was postponed after the defense of Jovan Vićentijević informed the court that it had filed a request seeking the removal of Prosecutor Kodraliu from the case.
The defendants include brothers Jovan and Dragisha Vićentijević, charged with committing a terrorist act, and Igor Dimović, charged with unauthorized possession of weapons.
Defense lawyer Nebojša Vlajić argued that the prosecutor had failed to consider exculpatory evidence, describing the request as unprecedented in his nearly 30-year legal career. His position was supported by lawyer Miloš Delević, who claimed that the prosecution rejected defense motions even during the investigation phase.
Prosecutor Rejects Allegations
Prosecutor Bekim Kodraliu firmly rejected the accusations, stating that the Criminal Procedure Code clearly defines five legal grounds for a prosecutor’s exclusion, none of which, he argued, were substantiated by the defense.
Kodraliu further emphasized that the attack was professionally carried out and that the investigation was conducted in cooperation with international partners. He also disclosed that attempts were made to obtain phone communications linked to Serbian SIM cards, but Serbian authorities never provided the requested data.
Evidence and Charges
Presiding judge Vesel Ismaili had suspended the hearing pending a decision by the Chief Prosecutor.
According to the indictment, mud found on the boots of Dragisha and Jovan Vićentijević matched in structure, color, and composition with soil from the crime scene, where the explosive attack occurred on November 29, 2024.
The indictment was filed on December 9, 2024, marking the formal start of one of the most serious terrorism-related cases currently before Kosovo’s judiciary.
