The Basic Court in Prishtina has rejected a request from Kosovo’s Special Prosecution to try Milan Radojčić and over 40 other individuals accused of the terrorist attack in Banjskë in absentia.
According to an official statement, the trial has begun only for three suspects who are currently under arrest, while the remaining defendants are still at large. The court determined that the legal conditions for conducting a trial in absentia have not been met, in accordance with Kosovo’s Criminal Procedure Code and Criminal Code.
“The presiding judge assessed the Special Prosecution’s request and found it to be unfounded. At this stage of the proceedings, a trial in absentia cannot take place because the required legal conditions have not been fulfilled,” the court stated.
Among the accused is Milan Radojčić, considered the lead orchestrator of the September 2023 attack in northern Kosovo. Despite arrest warrants, neither he nor the other fugitives have been apprehended, prompting the prosecution to seek proceedings in their absence.
The court confirmed that the trial for the fugitives will resume only upon their arrest and possible extradition to Kosovo. However, the prosecution retains the right to appeal the decision.
“The trial will proceed after the arrest and possible extradition of the defendants to the Republic of Kosovo. Parties dissatisfied with the ruling may file an appeal with the Court of Appeals via the Basic Court in Prishtina – Special Department,” the statement concluded.
