Kosovo Special Prosecution confirms exhumation in Zubin Potok amid war crime probe

Kosovo's Special Prosecution has confirmed an exhumation is taking place in the village of Mala Kaludra, near Zubin Potok. The operation aims to identify human remains as part of two ongoing criminal investigations led by the prosecution.

This confirmation came hours after Dukađini TV first broadcast footage from the site, reporting that excavations were searching for a possible mass grave of individuals who disappeared during the Kosovo War. While some local media suggested remains had been found, the Special Prosecution has not officially confirmed these reports.

The exhumation is being conducted under an order from the Basic Court in Pristina, requested by the Special Prosecution. Authorities stated the process adheres to judicial orders and international standards for identifying remains and preserving evidence, with participation from relevant institutions and experts.

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Competent institutions are carrying out exhumation for the identification of mortal remains at a location in the municipality of Zubin Potok.

As part of the investigation, two individuals, identified as M. J. and M. B., were detained for 48 hours. The Special Prosecution withheld further details, explaining that additional information could jeopardize the criminal proceedings, the identification process, and the rights of victims' families. The institution reiterated its commitment to fully clarifying the case and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

Earlier, Kosovo Police had announced the arrest of two men in Zubin Potok on suspicion of committing war crimes against civilians during the 1999 war, allegedly involving the murder of 23 Albanian civilians. The Kosovo Office for Kosovo and Metohija reported that five Serbs were initially detained, with three later released, while M. J. and M. B. remained in custody. The Srpska Lista party criticized the arrests as a continuation of pressure on the Serb population.

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Further information will be published only to the extent that it does not violate the integrity of the criminal proceedings, the identification process, and the rights of the victims' families.