Court in Belgrade assigns 30 days to Kosovo's arrest over Kostunica crime claim

Periskopi

3 July 2024, 21:45(2 years ago)

The person arrested by Serbia, with the claim of war crimes in Kostunica, has been assigned a month-long detention measure. Supreme Court spokeswoman in Belgrade Milica Velicovic has said this decision has been made because the danger of escape exists. This does not affect witnesses and because [...]

Supreme Court spokeswoman in Belgrade Milica Velicovic has said this decision has been made because the danger of escape exists.

This should not affect witnesses, and because the suspect is accused of criminal offence for which the prison sentence is envisioned over 10 years, as well as the manner of committing crime and the seriousness of the consequences caused the opinion to worry”, said Velickov, Tanjug.

Kosovo Office Secretary in Belgrade Fatmir Hajolli has reacted after Serbia's Interior Minister Ivica Dacic has announced that Serbian police have arrested Kosovo with initial F.K with claims that “committed crimes in Kostunica against the Yugoslav Army.

Hajoll has said it is a pity that Serbia, a country that has fought and committed genocide, does not prevent the arrests.

Kosovo Justice Minister Albulen Haxhiu said on Wednesday that it is difficult that Serbia will respond to the Kosovo authorities' request for the extradition of Kosovo citizens, who are being held in custody in Serbia due to continued judicial co-operation.

“We haven't got answers yet. I can't say whether we will have answers or not, but given that there has been a continuing refusal to co-operate law... of course it's very difficult that we can have answers”, she said.

Earlier this week, Haxhiu said he requested through a letter last week his Serbian counterpart's transfer of Kosovo citizens.

Five (5) Kosovo citizens, currently, are in custody in Serbia on war crimes charges: Nezir Mehmetaj, Hasan Dakaj, Sadik Duraku and Tefik Mustafa.

Kosovo authorities have described the arrest of Kosovo citizens for war crimes charges as arbitrary and unfair in Serbia. They have sought the international factor's help with their release.

Earlier, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Kosovo has internationally recognised jurisdiction over handling works that are carried out within its territory.

Serbia, in its 2021-2026 national strategy for prosecuting war crimes, claims it has jurisdiction to impose justice for crimes committed during armed conflicts in the APU90s.

The US State Department has called for legal proceedings for persons arrested in Serbia on charges of war crimes.