Filipovic: Milenkovic's detention extended for another two months; request for Kurti's testimony denied

Lawyer Jovana Filipovic emphasized that the detention of Dragisa Milenkovic from Kisnica, accused of alleged war crimes against the civilian population in Kosovo, had been extended for another two months.

Filipovic pointed out that Milenkovic had been in detention in Podujevo for a full five months, and during that entire time, the defense had not been informed that any investigative actions had been taken to clarify the charges against her client.

Additionally, she added, the Basic Court in Pristina rejected the defense's request to have Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti testify as a witness in Milenkovic's case.

"The Special Prosecutor's Office is obliged to act in accordance with the principle of urgency, which it obviously does not do because no witness has been heard, and this is essential to do during the investigative process. Also, the Basic Court in Pristina rejected the defense's request to hear Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti as a defense witness as a special investigative option, with the explanation that he would be able to be heard in a later stage of the proceedings," Filipovic explained.

She emphasized that she had filed an appeal against the court's decision to extend the detention.

Dragisa Milenkovic was arrested on June 21 in Kisnica, near Gracanica, and is charged with alleged war crimes against the civilian population during the period from 1998 to 1999.