The trial of Sladjan Trajkovic has resumed, with the family requesting that he be released pending trial

Before the Special Department of the Basic Court in Pristina, the examination of witnesses in the case of Sladjan Trajkovic, who is being charged by the Special Prosecution for alleged war crimes against civilians in the municipality of Vucitrn during the period from 1998 to 1999, continued today. Attorney Dejan A. Vasic stated that Trajkovic himself had participated in the examination of witnesses and expressed hope that this would contribute to establishing the truth.

After today's hearing, Vasic emphasized that the defense had received slightly better treatment from the panel, and it was significant that Trajkovic himself participated in the examination of witnesses.

"The judge has considered some suggestions we had, especially regarding certain documentation and witness statements that were not provided to us earlier. The judge ordered that these documents be obtained, and I expect them to be secured for the next hearing. Today, Trajkovic participated in the examination of witnesses; I believe he significantly contributed to establishing the truth regarding some investigative actions conducted earlier," Vasic said.

He stated that the defense, as well as the family of Sladjan Trajkovic, expected that the unfounded accusations would be quickly disproven in an efficient process.

Attorney Jelena Krivokapic, also one of the defenders of Sladjan Trajkovic, emphasized that the defense would continue examining witnesses on March 14.

"As defense attorneys, we now have the obligation to thoroughly examine and question one of the witnesses whom the prosecution questioned today. There will be many questions for him, and we continue the fight. Today, two witnesses were examined, with one of them being questioned only by the prosecution last time so that we can continue questioning today," Krivokapic said.

At today's hearing, as well as all previous ones, Sladjan Trajkovic's family was present. His wife, Suzana, emphasized that they would continue to strive until the end to prove Trajkovic's innocence.

"We offered bail, which was rejected, and we persistently continue to try and will strive until the end to prove Sladjan's innocence. As you can see, the family has been by Sladjan's side since day one. I've repeated this a million times, the trial could be held even in Albania, and I would go there with my family because we are not afraid of anything, and we have no reason to be afraid. Neither Sladjan nor we are guilty, and that should be clear to them," Suzana Trajkovic said.

She emphasized that the defense would once again offer bail so that Trajkovic could be released pending trial due to his health condition.

"We hope they will allow us at least house arrest, so he can receive medical treatment. The trial could last even 20 years, I just want him to come home and get treatment," Trajkovic said.

Sladjan Trajkovic was arrested on December 15, 2022, in North Mitrovica, and has been in detention since then.

The Special Prosecution of Kosovo has indicted Sladjan Trajkovic for war crimes against the civilian population committed between 1998 and 1999 in the village of Reznik in the municipality of Vucitrn and surrounding villages.