The New Criminal Code Allows Trial in Absentia for Radoičić over the Terrorist Attack in Banjska

With the entry into force of Kosovo’s new Criminal Code, the justice system has gained a new legal tool to prosecute individuals who avoid appearing before judicial authorities. This includes trial in absentia, which now enables judicial proceedings against Milan Radoičić, as the organizer of the armed attack in Banjska, Zvečan, on September 24, 2023.

Former Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, stated in a Facebook post that “Milan Radoičić & Co. must be tried in Kosovo, with or without extradition, as soon as possible.”

Radoičić, former vice-president of the Serb List and a figure with strong influence in northern Kosovo, publicly admitted through a video statement that he was part of and led the armed Serb group that carried out the attack against the Kosovo Police in the village of Banjska, in which police sergeant Afrim Bunjaku was killed.

Milan Radoičić, who remains free in Serbia, took responsibility for the act, claiming he acted without the knowledge of Serbian authorities—a statement widely seen as an attempt to shield the official Belgrade from blame.

The terrorist attack on September 24, 2023, in Banjska was deemed by Kosovo authorities as an act of aggression organized by Serbia. The international community responded immediately. The U.S., European Union, NATO, and major EU countries strongly condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. Cooperation was also requested from Serbia, but so far, Radoičić continues to roam free there.

/The Geopost