Pasic: Without international institutions, no results expected in the Ibar-Lepenc canal investigation

Former military prosecutor and lawyer Dragan Pasic stated that without the involvement of international institutions, he does not expect results in the investigation or the identification of perpetrators behind the criminal act at the Ibar-Lepenc canal. He also noted that the investigation so far is not heading in the right direction and that, based on the facts presented, there is no reasonable suspicion that the act constitutes terrorism.

“I do not expect investigation results unless international institutions, primarily UNMIK, EULEX, and some independent commissions formed by Quint countries, get involved. I believe that Pristina will maintain its stance that this is an act of terrorism orchestrated by Belgrade, despite the complete lack of evidence. The perpetrators of this criminal act need to be identified, but I do not believe that Kosovo’s provisional institutions are prepared to do so,” Pasic told Kosovo Online.

Based on decades of experience, he pointed out that the investigation, during the first two weeks after the explosion at the Ibar-Lepenc canal, is not proceeding in the right direction.

“I believe the investigation is not moving in the right direction and that it is a so-called reprisal, as people have been arrested for something entirely unrelated to this specific event. Connecting those arrested individuals to this incident is unfounded. I consider that these detained individuals are unjustifiably in custody and have been deprived of their freedom without cause,” Pasic stated.

He explained that this claim is based on the fact that no progress has been made beyond the initial statements from both Pristina and Belgrade.

“No progress has been made beyond the initial statements by the Pristina authorities as well as our own state. There is no evidence or reasonable suspicion that these arrested individuals committed the criminal act they are accused of. Moreover, we don’t even know what they are being accused of—whether it is terrorism, sabotage, or some other criminal offense. What is indisputable is that a certain quantity of weapons, ammunition, explosive materials, military insignia, and equipment was found. However, this discovered and unauthorized quantity of weapons and ammunition cannot be connected to the incident at the Ibar-Lepenc canal,” Pasic emphasized.

Commenting on the cautious statements by Western officials who distanced themselves from Pristina’s claims that official Belgrade is responsible for the incident, Pasic said this demonstrates the rashness of Pristina’s initial statements.

“Their reservation shows that Pristina and Kosovo’s provisional institutions reacted hastily because there is no evidence of terrorism, not even reasonable suspicion. There is a possibility that this was sabotage, but we do not know who the perpetrators are. It is clear that this needs to be investigated, which is why the Quint countries and the European Union have taken a very cautious stance,” Pasic said.

He pointed out the possibility that the individuals arrested in connection with this event, in whose possession weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment and insignia were found, are actually being investigated for those items.

“It should not be forgotten that prior to this incident, there were several cases of explosive devices being activated. So, there is a possibility that, regardless of the arrests for this criminal act—which, as I said, is sabotage, not terrorism—they might then be charged with another criminal act, such as the unauthorized possession, carrying of weapons, and trafficking of explosive materials. The reaction of the Pristina authorities was premature and rash, but charges in this direction are almost certain,” Pasic concluded.