The continuation of the trial in the “Banjska” case took place today at the Basic Court in Prishtina following a change in the judicial panel.
The case, previously led by Judge Arben Hoti, is now presided over by Judge Ngadhënjim Arrni as the head of the panel, with members Rrahman Beqiri and Donikë Shala, following Hoti’s promotion to the Court of Appeals.
Witness Miloš Radosajllević, proposed by the defense to give testimony, was present at the session. Judge Arrni announced that, due to the panel change, there is currently insufficient time to proceed with his testimony, Rks News reports.
It was also confirmed that the indictment by the Special Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kosovo (SPRK) has been read and acknowledged by all parties, as both the defense and the prosecution waived the formal reading.
Blagoje Spasojević and Vladimir Tolić chose not to make any statements.
Dušan Maksimović declared that he is not guilty of the charges brought against him.
Defense attorney Miloš Delević emphasized that the indictment should focus on the specific actions of Vladimir Tolić, rather than on Milan Radoičić.
Special Prosecutor Naim Abazi stated that the trial should restart with a review of evidence to continue from the previous stage. The defense and the defendants agreed, noting that this approach avoids delays and ensures procedural efficiency.
Regarding the defense’s proposal to hear nine new witnesses, the prosecution opposed it after reviewing the files.
According to the prosecution, the proposal lacks relevance and does not specify how the evidence offered would contribute concretely. The prosecution argued that the proposed witnesses would not shed light on what happened in Banjska.
“The proposed witnesses aim to build a general defense narrative, a collective alibi, or introduce new evidence that is completely inconsistent with the material and personal evidence we have submitted for this trial,” Prosecutor Abazi stated.
Defense attorney Jovana Filipović requested that witness Dragana Antonijević be summoned again, as she had worked with Maksimović and could provide information. However, the court noted that her presence could not be secured. Her prior statement is considered read to avoid delaying the process, and the court will attempt to summon her again in the future.
The prosecutor also noted that, based on the previous hearing on April 17, 2025, there have been no changes in the situation of the accused, although new written material evidence will be submitted.
The representative of the injured party, attorney Arianit Koci, and the injured parties had nothing further to add, while the defense attorneys reserved their statements for opening arguments.
