Two brothers accused in the alleged terrorist attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal are also under investigation for a separate murder case in the Peja region, it was revealed during their initial court hearing.
The defendants — Dragisha Viqentijeviq and Jovan Viqentijeviq — pleaded not guilty to charges related to the November 2024 attack in the village of Varagë, in the municipality of Zubin Potok. A third defendant, Igor Dimoviq, also declared himself not guilty.
The hearing took place after the court rejected a defense request to exclude Special Prosecutor Bekim Kodraliu from the case. Kodraliu then read the indictment, which includes charges of “endangering the constitutional order by destroying or damaging public installations and equipment,” “committing a terrorist offense,” and espionage.
“I wish to declare that I do not feel guilty of the criminal offense I am charged with,” said Igor Dimoviq during the session.
Separate Murder Investigation in Peja
During the confirmation of their personal details, it emerged that both Viqentijeviq brothers are also under investigation by the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja for alleged involvement in a murder case. No indictment has yet been filed in that matter.
Nebojsha Vllajiq, the lawyer representing Jovan Viqentijeviq, requested that the two proceedings be merged.
“We will submit in writing our requests to dismiss the indictment and challenge the evidence within the legal deadline, and at the same time we will request the unification of the criminal procedure being conducted at the Basic Court in Peja, where my client is accused alongside his brother of murder,” Vllajiq stated.
However, Special Prosecutor Bekim Kodraliu opposed the request, noting that the Peja case remains under investigation and therefore cannot legally be merged with a case already before another court.
“The criminal procedure in Peja is ongoing and is still under investigation. There is no legal possibility to merge that case with one that is already in trial proceedings. We cannot interfere with the jurisdiction of the Basic Court in Peja, as that would obstruct the investigation,” Kodraliu said.
Allegations in the Ibër-Lepenc Case
According to the indictment filed by the Prokuroria Speciale e Kosovës, on November 29, 2024, the Viqentijeviq brothers allegedly placed approximately 20 kilograms of explosives in the Ibër-Lepenc canal in Varagë, Zubin Potok. Igor Dimoviq is additionally charged with illegal possession of weapons.
The presiding judge, Vesel Ismaili, reminded the defendants that they have 30 days to submit motions challenging the indictment and the admissibility of evidence.
