Azem Kurtaj, who shot Serbian children in Gotovusa, reiterates not guilty plea before Urosevac court

The main hearing in the case against Azem Kurtaj, a member of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), was held today in the Basic Court in Urosevac. Kurtaj is accused of wounding two Serbs in the village of Gotovusa, Strpce municipality, on Christmas Eve 2023. He once again pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Veljko D. Radic, the legal representative of Milos Stojanovic, one of the injured parties, stated that the injured parties’ representatives contested the legal qualification of the alleged criminal act.

“The criminal proceedings against Azem Kurtaj, who is charged with firing and injuring a boy and a young man on January 6, 2023, Christmas Eve, on the main road near the village of Gotovusa, continued today in the Basic Court in Urosevac. During today’s hearing, the indictment was read again by the prosecutor's office, and the defendant once again pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution, we as representatives of the injured parties, and the defense delivered our opening statements. In our opening statement, my colleague and I challenged the legal classification of the criminal offenses as presented by the prosecution. Specifically, I argued that the act constituted attempted murder concerning my client, Milos Stojanovic,” Radic said.

He added that the trial is scheduled to continue on January 22 and 23, 2025.

“In the upcoming sessions, evidence proposed by the prosecution will be presented, including material evidence and the testimonies of the parties involved, the injured, and witnesses,” Radic stated.

The prosecution charges Kurtaj with the use of firearms and creating a general danger.

The court has lifted Kurtaj’s house arrest, and he will defend himself while at liberty.

Stefan and Milos Stojanovic were injured in Gotovusa while returning home after cutting Christmas oak branches. Azem Kurtaj fired at them from a vehicle, injuring both. One sustained a hand injury, while the other suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder.