The trial in the “Banjska” case is continuing at the Basic Court in Prishtina against Vladimir Tolić, Blagoje Spasojević, and Dušan Maksimović.
During today’s hearing, defendant Dušan Maksimović began presenting his defense, addressing a photograph in which he appears wearing a uniform. He claimed the image was taken at his home and denied any involvement in organized activities.
“I was not engaged by anyone for anything,” Maksimović stated, adding that part of his earlier response to the Special Prosecution regarding the origin and purpose of the uniform was missing from the official record.
According to him, the photograph was taken casually at his residence and marked the first time he had worn such a uniform.
During questioning by his defense lawyer, Jovana Filipović, Maksimović said he is an active hunter and had obtained the uniform for hunting purposes. He stressed that he had no knowledge that the photo would later be used in legal proceedings.
He further claimed that the uniform shown in the photograph does not resemble those used in the Banjska attack.
“That photograph was taken on December 13, 2022 — 285 days before the events in Banjska. I confirm that the uniform is not similar to those used in the attack,” he said.
Maksimović also denied claims that the uniform allegedly found in his room was linked to the September 24, 2023 attack. He stated that the uniform had been discarded after his home was damaged by water and mud.
Meanwhile, Special Prosecutor Naim Abazi requested the court to admit into evidence the transcript of an earlier interview with co-defendant Blagoje Spasojević, noting it had been included in case materials but omitted from the official list of evidence due to a technical error. The court accepted the submission.
The presiding judge, Ngadhënjim Arrni, confirmed that the defendant’s prior police statement has been admitted as evidence and that further analysis, including data from phone examinations, will be considered.
The case relates to the armed attack in Banjska, Zvečan, on September 24, 2023, when Kosovo Police faced what authorities described as a terrorist assault. The indictment, filed on September 11, 2024, names Milan Radoičić as the alleged leader of the group.
According to prosecutors, the accused face charges of “committing a terrorist act” and “serious offenses against the constitutional order and security of the Republic of Kosovo,” with some also charged with financing terrorism and money laundering.
During the attack, Kosovo Police sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed, while several officers were injured. Authorities say the perpetrators left behind extensive evidence, including drone footage, phone communications, surveillance recordings, photographs, and numerous documents.
Serbia has yet to extradite the suspects, despite repeated requests from Kosovo authorities and international partners.
