European Union has welcomed the indictment by Kosova’s Special Prosecution against several dozen suspects involved in last year’s armed attack on Kosova police in the village of Banjska, in the northern part of the country. EU spokesperson Peter Stano emphasized that justice must be served for the perpetrators of the September 24, 2023, attack, which resulted in the death of one Kosova police officer.

On Wednesday, Kosovo’s Special Prosecution filed charges against 45 individuals, including Milan Radoicic, a former politician and businessman from northern Kosova, who claimed responsibility for the attack five days after it occurred. Stano underscored the importance of holding those responsible accountable, stating, “The indictment signifies the beginning of judicial proceedings, and we expect to see the conclusion of this process“.

Stano also reiterated the EU’s long-standing call for Serbia to cooperate fully in bringing all those involved in the “brutal” attack to justice. He noted that Serbia must engage with the investigation and ensure that all those responsible are prosecuted. This message, Stano clarified, has been consistently communicated to Serbia without the need for separate meetings to reaffirm the EU’s stance.

When asked whether Banjska was a topic of discussion during a meeting between the EU Ambassador in Belgrade and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Stano replied that Serbia had been repeatedly urged to collaborate in the investigation. He emphasized that the EU’s position remains unchanged and has been consistently conveyed to Serbian authorities. The EU expects Serbia to act on this matter and take responsibility for ensuring justice for those involved in the attack.

Diplomatic sources within the EU have expressed frustration over Serbia’s lack of action in bringing suspects residing within its territory to justice. They also hinted that Serbia’s inaction could factor into decisions regarding its progress in EU membership negotiations.

The attack in Banjska saw an armed group of Serbian militants clash with Kosova police, resulting in the death of a Kosova officer, Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku, and three Serbian attackers. Radoicic, who is believed to be in Serbia, claimed responsibility for orchestrating the attack, further straining relations between the two countries.

Kosova’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated on Thursday that the indictment could have been issued sooner but added, “Better late than never“. He reiterated Kosova’s demand for Serbia to cooperate and extradite Radoicic, stressing that the attack occurred on Kosova territory and that justice must be served accordingly.

In response to the indictment, Serbian media cited the chief prosecutor of Serbia’s High Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade, Nenad Stefanovic, who dismissed the significance of the charges, stating that from Serbia’s legal standpoint, the indictment by Kosova’s “provisional institutions in Prishtina” against Radoicic and others holds no value.

At the end of 2023, INTERPOL issued an international arrest warrant for Radoicic, following a request from Kosova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. Kosova authorities continue to push for Radoicic’s extradition and for Serbia to assist in prosecuting those responsible for the attack in Banjska.

/a.p./