The Kosovo Police have arrested two people suspected of war crimes against the civilian population during the war in Kosovo, in a case that according to sources from the Special Prosecutor’s Office is related to one of the most serious incidents of missing persons during the war, the kidnapping and disappearance of 23 Albanian intellectuals from Mitrovica in April 1999, reports Kosova Press.
According to the announcement of the Kosovo Police, the two suspects, Kosovar men, were arrested after investigative actions, as it is suspected that in April 1999, in the territory of Zubin Potok, they committed crimes against the Albanian civilian population. According to the suspicions of the authorities, 23 Albanian civilians were killed as a result of these actions.
By the decision of the prosecutor of the case, the suspects were taken into custody, while the investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, sources from the Special Prosecutor’s Office have informed KosovaPress that the arrests are related to the investigations into the disappearance of 23 Albanian intellectuals from Mitrovica, who were detained on April 19, 1999 in the area of Zubin Potok, while they were leaving for Montenegro.
According to these sources, the two arrested persons are suspected of having knowledge of this case, while the investigations are still in the initial phase.
Among the missing was the well-known doctor, dr. Adem Ademi, as well as 22 other intellectuals and citizens from Mitrovica. Since the day of their detention, nothing has been learned about their fate and they continue to appear on the list of persons forcibly disappeared during the war in Kosovo.
For years, searches have been carried out in several areas between Mitrovica, Zubin Potok and Istog, where it is suspected that a mass grave may be located, but so far no location has been identified that would help clarify their fate. Also, family members and institutions have requested that investigations and searches be extended to the area of Novi Pazar and Tutin in Serbia.
On the 25th anniversary of their disappearance, on April 19, 2024, the acting prime minister, Albin Kurti, recalled this occasion, emphasizing that the group of intellectuals was last seen in the district of Zubin Potok, where, according to him, they were stopped by the forces of the Yugoslav army.
Among the missing are: Adem Ademi, Idriz Rreci, Demir Ahmeti, Fatmir Fazliu, Adem Beqiri, Sahit Berani, Hasan Dervari, Ali Haliti, Shaip Ujkani, Faton Ujkani, Mahit Ujkani, Nazim Ujkani, Shkelzen Ujkani, Tahir Meziu, Sali Meziu, Naser Meziu, Zymer Meziu, Selim Meziu, Shaqir Meziu, Samir Meziu, Bekim Meziu, Xhevdet Meziu and Xhemail Meziu.
According to Kurti’s statement, after their murder, the bodies disappeared in an attempt to cover up the traces of the crime, while their families continue to search for the truth about the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones.
