At the Court of Appeals of Kosovo, a panel hearing was held regarding the appeal filed by the defense of Shaqir Lutvija, who was previously sentenced to 10 years in prison for war crimes in Prizren.
The appeal was submitted by defense lawyers Jovana Filipović and Nexhmendin Sejdiu against the verdict of the Basic Court in Pristina. Meanwhile, the Special Prosecution of Kosovo and the Appellate Prosecution have requested that the original verdict be upheld.
The appellate panel is composed of presiding judge Ferit Osmani, reporting judge Mentor Bajraktari, and judge Albina Shabani-Rama.
Defense Arguments
Defense lawyer Nexhmendin Sejdiu argued that the first-instance verdict contains contradictions and lacks sufficient evidence proving that Lutvija participated in causing injuries to the victims. He emphasized that there is no medical documentation confirming the alleged serious bodily harm.
Sejdiu also pointed to procedural violations during the investigation phase, particularly in the identification process of the accused, claiming that legal standards were not respected.
He requested that the court either overturn the verdict in favor of the defendant or return the case for retrial.
Prosecution
Appellate prosecutor Sebahate Hoxha-Pepaj supported the position of the Special Prosecution, insisting that the appeal be rejected and the 10-year sentence be confirmed.
Defendant and Victims
Lutvija denied all charges, stating he was not present at the time of the alleged crimes and claiming he is being mistaken for another.
Victims Sefer Ejupi and Vehbi Velija supported the prosecution but did not seek financial compensation, while Fahredin Jakupi demanded a life sentence.
Case Background
Lutvija was convicted on November 11, 2025, for war crimes committed during the 1998–1999 Kosovo war. According to the indictment, he allegedly participated alongside Serbian police forces in arrests, beatings, torture, and inhumane treatment of Albanian civilians.
The indictment further claims that detainees were subjected to severe abuse, including electric shocks, resulting in one وفاة and serious injuries to multiple victims.
The court’s decision on the appeal is expected in the coming period.
