Body of young man killed in traffic accident taken by Kosovo Police for autopsy on the day of his funeral

This morning, Kosovo Police took the body of M. R. (18) from the village of Banjska, who died in a hospital in Kragujevac from injuries sustained in a traffic accident in Srbovac, for an autopsy at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. This action was taken against the initial wishes of the family.

The young man, who was transferred to Kragujevac with severe injuries following the accident, succumbed to his injuries there. His body was subsequently returned to his family in Banjska.

Yesterday, Kosovo Police contacted the family, and this morning, following an investigative judge's order, they arrived at the family’s home to take the body to Pristina for the autopsy.

This action by Kosovo Police and the investigative judge caused distress among the family and local residents. The family, speaking to Kosovo Online, initially refused consent for the transport of the body, as the funeral was already scheduled for 1 PM. However, with no alternative, they eventually agreed.

Veton Elshani, Deputy Commander for the North Region, told Kosovo Online that the police had taken the body for the necessary autopsy because one had not been performed in Kragujevac.

Kosovo Police confirmed to our portal that the autopsy was completed by around 11 AM, after which the body was returned to Banjska.

Lawyers contacted by Kosovo Online argued that legally, there was no need for an autopsy since it was clear the young man had died from injuries sustained in the traffic accident. However, they noted that it is common practice for prosecutors to request an autopsy to establish all facts surrounding the death.

Shortly after 1 PM, a funeral service was held at the local cemetery in M. R.'s hometown, followed by the burial, attended by a large number of residents, family members, friends, and students from the school the young man had attended.

M. R. was severely injured in a traffic accident that occurred last week in Srbovac. He was urgently transported to Kragujevac, but despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, November 24.