Alija: William Walker among those questioned in the Racak case

Lawyer Amer Alija from the Humanitarian Law Center in Pristina says that the investigation into the Racak case is part of a series of investigations initiated by the Kosovo Specialist Prosecutor’s Office after 2019, following a change in the law that allows trials in absentia. Among those questioned so far, he reveals, is former head of the OSCE Verification Mission, William Walker.

“After trials in absentia came into effect in 2019, the Kosovo Specialist Prosecutor’s Office began conducting investigations in absentia, and we have information that they are now investigating the massacre that occurred in Racak and other locations across the territory of Kosovo,” Alija stated for Kosovo Online.

According to data available to the Humanitarian Law Center, 17 indictments have so far been issued in such judicial proceedings.

When it comes to the Racak case, Alija says that among those questioned is the former head of the OSCE Verification Mission, William Walker.

“We have information from both the prosecution and the court that they are actively working on the case, conducting investigations, and have already interviewed several witnesses as part of special investigations. William Walker has also been questioned regarding these crimes, and we expect the investigation to be completed soon, at which point we will see the outcome, whether an indictment will be filed or not,” Alija clarified.

He adds that, in addition to the investigation itself, this and other war crimes proceedings involve the collection of relevant documentation, translation of witness statements, and securing defense attorneys for those who are being tried in absentia.

“In the meantime, certain procedural requirements must also be met during the investigative phase. That includes verifying the addresses of suspects, issuing arrest warrants, publishing the indictment, and issuing a summons for trial… All of this will take a certain amount of time as prescribed by criminal procedure,” Alija explained.