The defendants of the crimes of Vaganica and Likovc cleared

(BRUSSELS2) European judges acquitted on Thursday (29 May),  in the court of Mitrovica, four defendants de war crimes. ismet haxha, Bosses Enter it, nexthat Qubreli et Sylejman Selim, were accused under several counts of murdering civilians.

Not enough proof

The tribunal can not proven, « out of everything reasonable doubt », them events that happened between villages de vaganica et Likovc, à unspecified dates, end 1998 et start 1999, could being awarded. One of them (Bosses Enter it) was, however, found guilty of kidnapping - according criminal law of the Republic of Serbia, in force at the time of the acts. But he was acquitted, the offense being prescribed. The defendants were immediately released except for haxha Selim - who stays on remand being involved in theAffair of the Drenica.

A very sensitive matter

At the European mission EULEX Kosovo, we know very well that this case is "difficult" and very "sensitive". " We recognize the importance of this case for the people of Kosovo and the victims explained in a press release the head of the Mission. The mission's European prosecutor has moreover announced that he wants to look carefully at all the recitals of the judgment », reserving the « right to appeal ».

KLA involved?

But it must be clear - also warned the head of mission- « that the KLA was not on trial here, alone were individually accused. It is essential to understand that guilt is individual and not collective. “And to add:” ce verdict will in no way weaken case, the determination of SPRK (Kosovo Special Prosecutor) continue all cases proven war crimesIncluding cases of violence sexual ».

(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

(*) This case (Drenica) began to be judged last week (May 22), even if 3 of the 7 defendants were not present in the court box of Mitrovica. A warrant has been issued against them. The EULEX mission also called lthe criminal services from Kosovo, as other institutions, et la kosovo police, at " redouble your efforts to bring the three fugitives before the court ».