Filipovic: Lutvia physically abused in Podujevo prison, guards hit him in the head

Shaqir Lutvia, detained on suspicion of allegedly committing a war crime, has been physically abused by prison guards in Podujevo, confirmed his attorney Jovana Filipovic to Kosovo Online.

Shaqir has been in detention since October of last year, and Filipovic emphasizes that the defense has repeatedly pointed out his poor health condition and mistreatment at the High-Security Prison in Podujevo.

"The situation escalated yesterday when Lutvia was physically abused by guards at the facility. The incident began during a visit from his family members and continued afterward, when he was physically assaulted and struck in the head by three guards,” Filipovic stated.

Medical assistance was initially denied, but, as Filipovic notes, it was provided after persistent requests, allowing Lutvia to be examined both yesterday and today.

“We consider this completely unacceptable, and such conduct by members of the institution has caused significant fear and distress among the family members of this and other detainees at this facility,” Filipovic said.

She added that the Court, EULEX, and the Ombudsman’s Office have been informed about this case.

Lutvia, a former member of Serbia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, is accused by the prosecution of violating international law in Prizren during the Kosovo War in 1998-1999, individually and jointly with other members of the police forces in Prizren.

He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.