The Basic Court in Prishtina is set to continue proceedings today in the high-profile case against Jovan Vićentijević and Dragiša Vićentijević, who are accused of involvement in the terrorist attack on Kosovo’s Ibër-Lepenc canal in November 2023.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining the same position they expressed during their initial court appearance.
According to the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo, evidence gathered during the investigation demonstrates the defendants’ involvement in multiple criminal offenses related to the attack.
Prosecutors have also alleged that the investigation uncovered evidence pointing to the involvement of the Serbian government in the planning and preparation of the attack.
The prosecution said investigators seized weapons, ammunition, military equipment, communication devices, and other material evidence during the investigation. It further stated that forensic examinations, including DNA analysis and other expert reports, link the defendants to the scene of the attack.
The defense has rejected the prosecution’s allegations, arguing that the indictment fails to clearly describe the specific actions allegedly carried out by their clients. Defense attorneys have called on the court to conduct an objective assessment of the evidence presented during the trial.
Jovan Vićentijević and Dragiša Vićentijević, together with Igor Dimović, are charged with endangering Kosovo’s constitutional order, committing a terrorist offense, and illegal possession of weapons. Jovan Vićentijević also faces an additional charge of espionage.
The attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal, carried out in the village of Varagë in the municipality of Zubin Potok in November 2023, caused significant damage to one of Kosovo’s most critical water and energy supply infrastructures.
Today’s hearing is expected to focus on the presentation of evidence and further examination of the arguments put forward by both the prosecution and the defense.
