Slagjan Trajkoviq, a member of Serbian forces in 1999, is accused of participating, together with others, in killings, raids, and the expulsion of thousands of ethnic Albanian civilians. The prosecution delivered its closing arguments on Tuesday, while the defense will present its final statement in a subsequent session.
The Special Prosecution has requested that the Basic Court in Prishtina find Trajkoviq guilty of the war crimes he is accused of committing in the Municipality of Vushtrri during 1999.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Special Prosecutor Florie Salihu-Shamolli called for Trajkoviq to be sentenced according to the law.
Trajkoviq is accused of collaborating with other members of Serbian police and military forces in the killings, raids, and forced displacement of thousands of ethnic Albanian civilians.
“There were nine members of the Ujkani family who were killed. These people did not die of natural causes; they were burned alive in their home in the most cruel and inhumane way, with the participation of the accused, Slagjan Trajkoviq,” said Special Prosecutor Florie Salihu-Shamolli.
The prosecutor detailed witness testimonies, highlighting the locations and incidents in which Trajkoviq participated during the war. She specifically mentioned his involvement in the killing and burning of the Ujkani family.
“These individuals were initially demanding money. At that moment, Xhevahire Ujkani had 300 Deutsche Marks, which she gave to Slagjan. Afterwards, Xhevahire and Naim Ujkani were locked in the first room of the house, while the victim B1 was forcibly taken to the first floor, beaten, and abused inhumanely while money was demanded. Throughout this, the accused, Slagjan, was taking photographs,” she explained.
Trajkoviq is also accused of participating in the killing of Hysen Gashi in April 1999 in the village of Bukosh, Vushtrri, alongside other members of the Serbian forces.
“On April 14, 1999, he went to the home of Hysen Gashi in Bukosh, where the family was gathered on the second floor. Hysen Gashi came to the door and was shot with an automatic weapon, dying from the wounds. His 12-year-old son, Mehdi Gashi, witnessed this. When he saw a blanket move, he noticed Slagjan Trajkoviq firing at Mehdi Gashi, but fortunately he was not hit,” stated Prosecutor Salihu-Shamolli.
The prosecutor requested that Trajkoviq’s pre-trial detention be maintained, citing ongoing reasons for its continuation.
At the request of Trajkoviq’s defense, the final statement for the defense will take place in a later session.
The Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo filed the indictment against Trajkoviq on July 12, 2023.
