A forensic DNA expert testified on Monday that biological traces matching the DNA profile of Jovan Vićentijević were found on an ignition fuse recovered from the scene of the 2024 attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal, according to courtroom proceedings reported by Ekonomia Online.
Fatmir Ademi, Director of the Department of Chemistry and Biology at the Kosovo Forensic Agency, told the court that forensic experts examined 50 pieces of evidence and DNA samples, identifying matches with the profiles of defendants Jovan Vićentijević and Dragiša Vićentijević.
Responding to questions from the prosecution, Ademi explained where the defendants’ DNA had been identified.
“Regarding the matches for individuals coded as S1 and S2, these refer to Jovan Vićentijević, while evidence linked to S3 and S4 corresponds to Dragiša Vićentijević. These findings are detailed in the DNA report. In conclusion number five, among other evidence, there were three exhibits collected from the crime scene containing mixed DNA profiles, which we manually reviewed. In evidence item number four, described as a nine-meter ignition cable fuse, our manual analysis identified traces belonging to S1, specifically Jovan Vićentijević. Of the 24 genetic loci we analyzed, we detected S1 markers at 20 locations,” Ademi testified.
He added that the Kosovo Forensic Agency employed advanced scientific methods that had been validated and were applied according to standardized written procedures.
“We use the most advanced validated scientific methods, supported by written procedures to ensure every expert follows the same protocol. In this case, we applied the DNA extraction procedure,” he said.
Chief prosecutor Bekim Kodraliu also questioned Ademi about an independent analysis conducted by a laboratory in Rome, Italy, where mixed DNA profiles had been sent for further interpretation.
“I have reviewed the report, and it is clear that the laboratory in Rome only interpreted the results that were originally obtained by our laboratory in Prishtina,” Ademi stated.
Asked whether there were any discrepancies between the findings of the Prishtina and Rome laboratories, Ademi said the results were fully consistent.
“There were no contradictions in the report prepared by our Italian colleagues. On the contrary, it confirmed our findings. Their analysis strengthened the signal we had already observed, identifying the traces of the individual in question. Scientifically, they established the connection between S1 and one of the three contributors in the mixed DNA sample,” he said.
The attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal occurred on November 29, 2024, in the village of Varagë, Zubin Potok. Kosovo’s Special Prosecution has charged Jovan Vićentijević, Dragiša Vićentijević, and Igor Dimović with terrorism-related offenses, illegal possession of weapons, and espionage in connection with the explosion, which caused significant damage to critical water infrastructure.
