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Kosovo Special Prosecution indicts 35 for 1998 Prekaz war crimes
The Kosovo Special Prosecution Office has filed an indictment in absentia against 35 former Serbian security officials and commanders for war crimes committed during the March 1998 attack on the Jashari family compound in Prekaz. The indictment alleges that the operation, which took place between March 5 and 7, 1998, was a planned and coordinated action by the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs rather than a spontaneous paramilitary engagement.
Prosecutors claim the operation involved various Serbian police and military units, including the Special Operations Unit and anti-terrorist units, utilizing heavy artillery and armored vehicles. The indictment identifies high-ranking officials such as Jovica Stanišić, former head of the Serbian State Security Service, and Vlastimir Đorđević as key figures in the command chain. Milorad Ulemek, known as ‘Legija’, is specifically accused of leading the Special Operations Unit and directly directing the assault on the Jashari residence.
According to the prosecution, the attack resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, while others were reportedly taken hostage or mistreated. The indictment is being filed in absentia as the suspects have not been secured for proceedings. The investigation asserts that the operation was monitored for months prior to the attack, with surveillance even being conducted from a nearby munitions factory reservoir.
Entities
Adem Jashari · Blerim Isufaj · Fatmir Sheholli · Islamic Community of Kosovo · Jovica Stanišić · Kosovo Special Prosecution Office · Milorad Ulemek · Naim ef. Tërnava · Prekaz · Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs · Serbian Police · Shaban Jashari
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The operation was planned and coordinated through the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs. www.gazetakosova.net · gazeta10.com · www.illyria.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] The indictment was filed in absentia because the accused have not been secured for the proceedings. tetova1.mk · ts.mk · www.illyria.com · veriu.info · racin.mk · +3 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The attack resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. tetova1.mk · ts.mk · faktiditor.ch · www.illyria.com · www.dukagjini.com · +1 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] The Kosovo Special Prosecution Office has filed an indictment against 35 individuals for war crimes. www.gazetakosova.net · tetova1.mk · ts.mk · lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info · +11 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] Jovica Stanišić and Vlastimir Đorđević are among the high-ranking officials named in the indictment. www.gazetakosova.net · lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info · veriu.info · balkaninsight.com
- [● 17 SOURCES] The attack on the Jashari neighborhood in Prekaz occurred on March 5, 6, and 7, 1998. www.gazetakosova.net · tetova1.mk · ts.mk · lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info · +11 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Thirteen of the 35 accused were born in Kosovo. lajmpress.org · www.arbresh.info
- [● 10 SOURCES] Milorad Ulemek, known as 'Legija', is accused of leading the Special Operations Unit and directing the attack on the Jashari family home. tetova1.mk · ts.mk · www.illyria.com · informim.net · racin.mk · +4 more