Kozhle mass grave excavations interrupted for the third time

Excavations in Kozhle, near Novi Pazar, have been interrupted for the third time without completion. The site is suspected to contain a mass grave related to the recent war in Kosovo.

Kushtrim Gara, a member of the government commission for missing persons, criticized the Serbian authorities for what he described as a “politicized approach” that prevents the fundamental rights of families from being respected. Gara noted that such interruptions are a recurring pattern, citing similar experiences in Rudnica and Kizhevak. He stated that Serbia often limits excavation work to just a few days, causing processes to be postponed from year to year.

Since 2001, Serbia has identified a list of 16 potential mass grave sites within its territory. Approximately 1,500 people went missing during the Kosovo War, and their fates remain unknown.