Kosovo prosecutors have brought charges against 45 individuals regarding a gunfight that took place last year in the village of Banjska, following an intrusion by heavily armed Serb gunmen. The incident resulted in the death of a Kosovo policeman and three Serb gunmen. Kosovo has accused Serbia of involvement, a claim that Belgrade has refuted.
Among those indicted in absentia is Milan Radoicic, a politician and wealthy businessman connected to Serbia’s ruling party and President Aleksandar Vucic. Prosecutor Naim Abazi described Radoicic as the group’s leader who played a significant role in coordinating the criminal activity. Radoicic had previously admitted to being part of the paramilitary group involved in the gunfight.
Radoicic faced charges in Serbia related to criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of weapons, and acts against public safety. He denied the charges previously but has been under U.S. and British sanctions for financial crimes. Serbia maintains that Radoicic and his group acted independently.
The 45 individuals are charged with offenses such as violation of the legal order, terrorism, funding terrorism, and money laundering, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Prosecutor Abazi described the case as the most intricate they have handled, highlighting close collaboration with international bodies, the EU, and the U.S. to formulate robust charges.
Both the EU and U.S. have called for Serbia to hold the perpetrators accountable. They are also urging compliance with agreements made between President Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti in early 2021, including the establishment of an Association of Serb-Majority Municipalities in Kosovo.
Efforts are underway to de facto recognize Kosovo, an issue that continues to strain relations between the two sides. It’s been advised that Kosovo refrain from unilateral actions, like closing parallel state institutions in the Serb-majority north and making changes in sensitive areas like Mitrovica.
International peacekeepers under the NATO-led KFOR mission have intensified their presence in Kosovo following the heightened tensions last year. Kosovo, once a Serbian province, declared independence in 2008 after a conflict that ended with NATO intervention.