REPORT NO. 461
         ON THE VIOLATION OF
           HUMAN RIGHTS IN KOSOVA
           FROM  MARCH 1
           UNTIL  MARCH 7, 1999

KËSHILLI PËR MBROJTJEN E TË DREJTAVE E TË LIRIVE TË NJERIUT
COUNCIL FOR THE DEFENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Rr. Vellusha 46, 38000 Prishtinë-Kosovë; tel. 381 (0) 38 530 409 fax: 381 (0) 38 36 965
E-mail: kmdlnj@albanian.com cdhrf@albanian.com
http://www.albanian.com/kmdlnj http://www.kosovainfo.com/HUMAN

REPORT NO. 461

ON THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN KOSOVA
FROM 1 MARCH UNTIL 7 MARCH 1999

In the threshold of the continuation of the International Conference on Kosova, Serbian military, police and paramilitary forces are provoking the KLA by attacking their positions and the population of Kosova. They are also shelling the Albanian villages of Podujeva, Mitrovica, Vushtrri, Drenica, Shtime, Ferizaj and Kaçanik. As an aftermath, hundreds and thousands of Albanians, mainly women, children and elderly, are fleeing their houses and are taking shelter in forests, valleys or at their relatives' houses in other villages and towns of Kosova, out of Kosova, especially in Western Macedonia, in the towns and villages inhabited by Albanian population.

The provocations and conflicts with tragic consequences engulfed the towns, including the capital of Kosova. A quarter in Prishtina was already totally abandoned by the Albanian population after the Serbian police undertook an action to arrest two Albanians. Consequently, two policemen were killed and another one was wounded. Tens of Albanians were severely ill-treated and hundreds of Albanians fled their homes.

Meanwhile, Serbian regime continues with the killings, burnings, usurpations and lootings in the houses of the Albanians, arrests and ill-treatments in order to cause fear and insecurity and so make the Albanians flee their land...

Killings, mutilations, violent deaths...

28 FEBRUARY: The so-called local police led by Muharrem Ibraj from Osek-Hyla, and the Serbian police, raided the house of and executed Sylejman Miftar Bajrami (45) in the presence of his family members. They arrested his guests Xhavit Osmani and Bajram Luli. - During the intervention of the Serbian military and police forces in Gajre (Kaçanik), in the outskirts of the village, Rrustem Halim Çallaku (64) was killed, whereas Fejzullah Rexhep Çallaku (79) was wounded. - At about 9.30 p.m., in front of the "Molika" restaurant, in the centre of Prishtina, unknown persons killed Ekrem Murat Gashi (1956) from Matiçan (Prishtina) and heavily wounded Fahri Ahmet Bejta (1953) from Podujeva (who died on 2 March) and Genc Nuha.

- During the attack of the Serbian military forces in Gajre (Kaçanik), Hamit Alush Asaj (1964), a KLA soldier from Gabrrica (Kaçanik) and Bogolub Staletoviq, the commander-in-chief at the police station in Kaçanik, were killed, whereas 4 other Serbian policemen were wounded.

1 MARCH: With the help of the OSCE KVM, the corpses of two youngsters found yesterday in Tupec were identified. They are Ilir Abaz Dina (1978) and Qerim Izet Rexha (1980) - both from Rahovec. They were kidnapped on 23 February in the outskirts of Rahovec.

- At about 8.00 p.m., during the attack on Brestovc launched by the Serbian forces stationed in Hoça e Madhe, Muharrem Ibrahim Berisha (48), a farmer from Brestovc (Rahovec), father of 4, was killed.

2 MARCH: The OSCE KVM representatives identified the corpse which was found on 24 February in Bishtazhin (Gjakova) and buried by police order in the town cemetery on 28 February. It is Shani Sadik Thaçi (43) from Rogova (Gjakova). - The corpse of Gani Qerim Hajda (1950) from Rahovec, who was kidnapped on 23 February, was found in the outskirts of Rahovec. - The corpse of an unidentified person in KLA uniform was found in Trakaniq (Gjakova). - In the outskirts of Hani i Elezit, during the clashes between Serbian forces and KLA forces, Goran Mirjaçiq, a lieutenant, was killed.

3 MARCH: In the early hours of the morning, the corpses of Sejdi Hashim Rushiti (38) from Gushavc (Mitrovica) and Nexhat Shefqet Azemi (40), father of 8, from Oshlan (Vushtrri), both living in the "Kodra e Minatorëve" quarter in Mitrovica, were found in the village of Graboc (inhabited by Serbs). - In the evening, in Mihaliq (Vushtrri), brothers Lubisha and Radivoje Mitroviq, policemen, were killed under unknown circumstances, whereas Milan Mitroviq, a Serbian soldier, disappeared. - At about 6.15 p.m., in the centre of Podujeva, on the cross-road to the village of Kërpimeh, Goran Timotijeviq, a policeman, was severely wounded. Later on, he died due to the wounds suffered.

5 MARCH: - Shkëlzen Ymer Draga (1963) from Prizren, a KLA soldier, was buried in the cemetery of Krusha e Madhe (Rahovec). He was wounded several days ago during the clashes with the Serbian forces. - In the "Xhemal Ibishi" st. in Prishtina, in the "Kovaçi" shop owned by Bajram Zakuti, unknown persons killed Agim Revuçi (36), father of 4, and wounded Bajram Zakuti, Shaban Zeqiri (46), Abdyl Mushica (46), Ismet Llapjani (37), Isa Krasniqi, Gani Ismaili and Arben Tahiri.

6 MARCH: Ibrahim Nemozha (70) from Druar (Vushtrri) died while fleeing the village due to the intervention of police forces.

7 MARCH: In the "Emshir" quarter in Prishtina, while attempting to arrest Bekim and Asllan Asllani (22), policemen Milovan Blagojeviq (32) from Prokupla (Serbia) and Dragan Veliq (36) from Prishtina were killed, whereas policeman Dragan Trajkoviq was heavily wounded. Afterwards, Serbian police beat about 15 inhabitants of this quarter. Many inhabitants fled their homes. - Serbian police brought the corpse of an unidentified male to the morgue of Gjakova Hospital. It was found at the egg-layer farm between Gjakova and Bishtazhin. - Naile Kulludra died at the police check-point in Dollc (Klina), while policemen beat her husband Brahim Kulludra for two hours. They were on their way to the Gjakova Hospital.

During the last week, the Sub-CDHRF in Deçan sent us the list of the persons killed during 1998, among whom: Luljeta Adem Selmanaj (22), Hyre Tahiraj (80), Agron Sadri Gjocaj (21), Milaim Rexhë Gjocaj (23) and Avni Bali Sinanaj (21) - from Baballoç; Shefqet Curr Belegu (50) and Sadri Adem Zukaj (68) - from Beleg; Zeqë Halil Qorraj (68), Idriz Bekë Qorraj (48), Faik Jahë Ukëhaxhaj (34), Lush Mahmut Binakaj (72) and Sali Mon Binakaj (61) - from Carrabreg i Poshtëm; Naim Rrustem Lataj (19), Hate Lataj (68), Murat Selim Dautaj (63), Ilaz Fazli Dautaj (66), Avdyl Jahë Dobraj (70) and Ajshe Rexhë Loshaj (80) - from Carrabreg i Epërm; Haxhi and Tahir Mic Ibërhysaj, Bajram Rrustem Gogaj - Cacaj, Beqir Rexhë Cacaj (65) and Time Bajraktaraj - from Deçan; Rexhep Musë Mazrekaj (40), Ahmet Ismet Baqaj (34), Selman Tahir Dukaj (39) and Tahir Rexhep Alaj (58) - from Drenoc; Sokol Musli Sejfiaj (24), Halil Zymer Sejfiaj (67), Arben Shaqë Qerimaj (20), Artan Isë Hasanaj (27) and Arben Lam Ahmetaj (26) - from Gllogjan; Arif Demush Sadiku (33) and Musë Ali Ganiaj (58) - from Gjocaj; Musli Osë Hulaj (55) and Hazir Selim Hulaj (65) - from Hulaj; Altin Sadri Haskaj (21) and Malë Avdyl Zenaj (44) - from Irzniq; Naser Musli Idrizaj (31) and Sofie Berisha - Pepaj (50) - from Kodralia; Sadri Brahim Zeqiraj (46) and Albert Demë Sejdiaj (27) - from Lëbusha; Sylë Ahmet Himaj (77) and Tixhe Tolaj (75) - from Lloçan; Beqir (72) and Sejdi Azem Mataj (68), Fane Mataj (80), Isë Zenun Mataj (79), Mone Mataj (72), Hasan Bajram Tolaj (78), Idriz Zeqë Tolaj (60), Ukë Ramë Tolaj (70), Sabrie Dabiqaj - Tolaj (75), Rexhep Ethem Buqezi (78), Ryve Buqezi (74) and Haxhi Osman Hadërgjonaj (104) - from Pobërgja; Beqir Haxhë Qufaj (21), Gazmend Selman Lokaj (25) and Brahim Arif Lokaj (70) - from Prejlep; Agim Abaz Mazrekaj (27) and Halil Imer Lokaj (70) - from Sllup; Naim Sadri Gjukaj (21) and Gjyke Gjukaj (45) - from Strellc i Poshtëm; Adnan Ukë Sumaj (22), Avni Osman Avdimetaj (23) and Halil Bajram Istrefaj (62) - from Strellc i Epërm and Gjyke Hajdaraj (82) and Hatmone Rrukaj (79) - from Shaptej.

During the last week, the Sub-CDHRF in Suhareka confirmed that Zenel Morina (30) from Stravuçina (Suhareka) was killed during the offensive of Serbian forces on 27 September 1998. During the last year, in the district of Suhareka, the following were killed under unknown circumstances: Latife and Rrushe Kololli from Budakova (on 25 August), Ilaz Vranoci from Tërna, Liman Gashi from Gjinoc, Isa Shehu from Vraniq and Haxhi Perteshi from Duhla.

Kidnappings and disappearances...

During the last week, we were informed that the whereabouts of the following missing people are unknown: Ymer Muhamet Bytyçi (44) from Nishor (Suhareka) (since May 1998), Jefta Petkoviq and Zvonko Marinkoviq - from Mushtisht (Suhareka) (since 24 June 1998); Milovan and Miodrag Kërstiq and Boban Mitroviq, the three from Reçan (Suhareka) (since 25 June 1998); Ramiz Zymberi (22) - since December 1998; Qamil Demë Morina (28) from Drenoc (Malisheva) (since January 1999); Imer Elshani from Opterusha (Rahovec) (since 26 February 1999); Zymer Kadri Morina (54) from Gexha (Rahovec) (since 28 February 1999); Ragip M. Shala (64) from Okrashtica and Ramadan Ferat Dibrani (21) from Shallc (Vushtrri) (since 1 March 1999); Rrustem Qamil Seferçaj (15) from Prizren (since 3 March 1999).

Trials...

- The Serbian Run District Court in Peja convicted the following persons for "hostile activity" and "terrorism": on 2 March - Rexhë Fazli Gashi (1958) from Buçan (Peja) to 2 years of imprisonment; on 3 March - Ramiz Ibrahim Isufaj (1970) from Gramaçel (Deçan) to 3,5 years of imprisonment; on 4 March - Bekim Sali Maqi (1979), Avdyl Muhamet Maqi (1972) and Fadil Sadik Avdyli (1967), the three from Shishman (Gjakova), to 2 years of imprisonment each; on 5 March - Luan Ramë Çelaj (1977) from Strellc i Epërm (Deçan) to 9 months of imprisonment; Muhamet Shaban Beqaj (1956) and Sylë Hasan Beqaj (1946) from Rracaj and Hamzë Zeqë Aliaj (1946) from Pacaj (Gjakova) to 8 months of imprisonment each.

- On 4 March, the Serbian Run District Court in Gjilan convicted the following for "hostile activity" and "terrorism": Abdullah Tahiri (1956) from Malisheva (Gjilan) and Ahmet Demiri (1964) from Gjilan to 4 years of imprisonment, Ismet Hashani (1962) from Vërbica e Kmetovcit to 2,5 years of imprisonment, Nexhat Bunjaku (1971), Ibrahim Uruçi (1968) and Ekrem Qerimi (1962) from Gjilan to 2 years of imprisonment and Tajar Berisha (1954) from Gjilan to 1 year of imprisonment.

THE COURSE OF EVENTS:

1 MARCH:

VUSHTRRI: During the last two days, Serbian military forces, accompanied by Serbian paramilitaries, stationed in Dolak, Shtitarica and Bukosh, shelled the villages of Okrashtica, Pantina, Oshlan and Liqej, as well as Qyqavica Gorge. On entering the villages of Bukosh, Dolak and Shtitarica e Vjetër, Serbian army looted valuables from the Albanian houses. Everything that could not be taken, was destroyed. Yesterday, in Okrashtica, the following were arrested: Bajram Shala (50), Xheladin B. Berisha (37), Ilmi Spanca (45), Rexhep Morina (45), Naim Morina (38) and Shemsedin Morina - all from Okrashtica. Sahit Rullani (50) from Dolak is in police custody since yesterday. Yesterday, while on his way to work, Abdullah Rama (47) from Novolan was severely ill-treated by the Serbian police. Today, at the Guri Bridge, in the outskirts of Vushtrri, Serbian police stopped the bus of the "Lindi Tours" travel agency, severely ill-treated Ukshin M. Shaqiri (49) from Bukosh and arrested an Albanian from this village. Later on, the same policemen severely ill-treated and arrested many other Albanians at the bus station in Vushtrri. In Nedakoc, policemen stopped Habib H. Hasani (27) from Druar, tied him for a tree and beat him under the pretext that he was supplying the KLA with flour.
MITROVICA: Last night, there were fire shots in the vicinity of the Ibri Bridge, in the vicinity of the bus station, in the "Kroi i Vitakut" and "7 Shtatori" quarters, as well as the Romanians' quarter. During the last two days, Serbian army stationed on the hill in the "Bair" quarter and the military depot in Shipol shelled and machine gunned the villages of Vaganicë e Poshtme, Vaganicë e Epërme, Pirç and Vërrnica (Mitrovica), as well as Oshlan, Pantina and Liqej (Vushtrri). In Mitrovica, Serbian police arrested and severely ill-treated Zenel Selman Istrefi (49) and Xhemajl Avdyl Musa (49), teachers with the primary school in Bajgora. Xhafer Koca (48) and his 12-year-old daughter from Polac (Skënderaj) were arrested. 5-6 policemen were stationed in other parts of the town. They are ill-treating passers-by, among whom Hajriz Hamit Istrefi (49) from the "Ibri" quarter.
KAÇANIK: Fearing from the further deployment of the Serbian military and police forces and possible consequences of it, the Albanian population, mainly women, children and elderly, from the villages of Bob, Biçec, Kovaçec, Gjyrgjedell and Llanishta are fleeing.
HANI I ELEZIT: About 700 Albanian inhabitants of the villages along the border with Macedonia - Glloboçica, Kotlina and Shtraza took shelter in Han i Elezit. Whereas, the inhabitants of the villages of Sharri Mountains - Rezhanca and Krivenik are still under the siege of the Serbian forces. Their situation is very dramatic.
RAHOVEC: Two Serbian policemen in a car with plates PZ 863 - 73 attempted to kidnap a 15-year-old boy, who cried for help. As the passers-by gathered, he managed to escape. The situation in Rahovec and its surroundings is very tense due to the large concentration of the motorized Serbian forces in the vicinity of Rahovec and in Hoça e Madhe, as well as the threats of the Serbian police and civilians that they would launch frontal attacks and kidnap the Albanians if the Serbs kidnapped in July 1998 did not appear. In the centre of the town, three Serbian policemen and a civilian severely ill-treated some Albanian youngsters and Agim Oruçi (40), while he was passing by his tractor.
MALISHEVA: Last night, Serbian forces opened artillery fire towards the Krasniqi quarter in Ngucat. The inhabitants of Shkoza (Malisheva) spent the night out of their village. Military planes flew low over the district of Malisheva.
KLINA: Serbian soldiers stationed at the bauxite mine in Volljaka arrested and severely ill-treated Hazir Adem Berisha (30) from Sverka, who was released under the condition of collaborating with them. Otherwise, his family would be taken "hostage".
GJAKOVA: Last night, in Piskota quarter, about 20 Serbian policemen and armed civilians raided and demolished the house of Haxhi Meta, where some Albanian families from Hereç had taken shelter. Policemen told him that they would come back in 10 days. Today, at about 2.00 a.m., about 100 Serbian policemen and soldiers in tanks and armoured cars surrounded the villages of Raça and Dol. They raided and demolished about 25 houses. In the Piskota quarter (Gjakova), the so-called local police raided the house of Abdyl Mema and arrested Abdyl Lokaj (25) from Prejlep (Deçan), sheltered in this quarter.
PRISHTINA: Yesterday, over 30 Serbian policemen in 3 vehicles paraded through Keqekolla and severely ill-treated Enver Abdullahu and Fadil Hasani. They looted goods in the "Drita" private shop. Today, a police squad went into the house yard of Ymer Behë Kadriu (51) from Koliq and severely ill-treated him. He suffered body injuries. They opened fire towards his house. In the vicinity of the Llapi Mosque, two armed Serbian civilians, kidnapped Xhelal Dragusha (23), confiscated his car and forced him to fetch them DM 500 in order to take his car.
DEÇAN: The situation in the district of Deçan is still very grave. Large police forces were stationed in the premises of the "Hasan Prishtina" Primary School in Gllogjan and in the villages of Irzniq, Baballoç, Rastavica, Prejlep, Lumbardh, Strellc, Isniq, Junik and Deçan, as well as at the Bjeshkët e Nemuna. Every single day, 3 lorries or APCs full of Serbian policemen paraded through the villages of Gramaçel and Dubrava and headed towards Gllogjan. Zenun Selmanaj from Baballoç, a teacher with the "Drita" Primary School in Gramaçel, was severely ill-treated in the premises of this school.
OBILIQ: In Tomiq, Serbian police stopped the bus travelling between Breznica and Prishtina and arrested Faik Bregaj from Stanoc.
PRIZREN: Some Serbian civilians attacked two members of the OSCE KVM.
KAMENICA: At the bus station in Gjilan, Serbian policemen interrogated and provoked Hivzi Korça (1958) from Gmica, only because he had the "Koha Ditore" and "Kombi" papers with him. Serbian police arrested Jahi Fazliu from Karaçeva and took him to the prison in Gjilan.

2 MARCH:

KAÇANIK & HANI I ELEZIT: Since the early hours in the morning, large police and military forces in 70 tanks and other vehicles headed towards Kaçaniku Gorge. Serbian forces deployed in Han i Elezit, too. They are heading towards Pustenik. Since 5.00 a.m., Serbian forces launched an attack on Krivenik, whereas since 7.00 a.m., loud detonations were heard towards Pustenik. In Han i Elezit, 6 Albanians were arrested. The situation is very grave. The population is stuck. Serbian snipers were stationed on the buildings of the factories. In Krivenik, Serbian army forced Sefer Thaçi (70) to flee his home. Over 320 Albanian inhabitants of Krivenik and Rezhanca fled their homes and entered Macedonia.
VUSHTRRI: Last night, Serbian military forces stationed in Dolak and Bukosh (Vushtrri) and Frashër (Mitrovica) shelled the villages of Taraxha, Liqej, Okrashtica, Pantina, Oshlan, Dubovc and Galica (Vushtrri) and Vaganicë e Epërme, Vaganicë e Poshtme, Vërrnica and Pirç (Mitrovica). At about 2.30 a.m., in the vicinity of Pantina, there were fierce clashes between the Serbian military forces and the KLA, which lasted until the early hours of the morning.
MITROVICA: During the last two days, Serbian army from Frashër i Vogël and Shipol shelled some Albanian villages. In the "Bair" quarter, over 30 Serbian policemen and inspectors raided and demolished the houses of Adem Jakup Kërleshi (40), Vahide Zenel Kërleshi (58) and Abedin Deliu (60) and searched for their sons. In the same quarter, over 20 policemen went into the house of Asllan Ali Salihu (55) and opened fire towards his retarded son Ferit (28). Luckily, they missed him. In the vicinity of the bus station, Serbian police arrested Shefki (23) and Rexhep Fahri Maxhuni (20) from Vaganica under the pretext of being KLA members, as well as two other persons who were passing by tractor. In the village of Tuneli i Parë, police arrested Daim Rexhep Musa (30) from Shala e Bajgorës. The following were arrested and kept at the police station for 3 hours: Mirsad Pajazit Sejdiu and Ferit Xhemail Peci (20) from Shipol. Fresh military forces headed towards Skënderaj. Large movements of military and police vehicles were noticed in Mitrovica. Many armed Serbian civilians, mainly elderly, were seen to walk out of the military barracks. Some of them were wearing uniforms. A military plane flew over the town. In the vicinity of the "Nonda Bulka" Primary School, 4 masked Serbian youngsters (aged about 15) attacked Besa Hajriz Istrefi (9) and Arta Mehmeti (9), pupils with this school. They suffered traumas. Serbian military and police forces opened fire and provoked people who were paying tribute to the killed KLA soldiers Gazmend Qerim Baliu and Muhamet Rexhep Gashi.
KLINA: A convoy of Serbian forces of 8 tanks, 30 lorries, several APCs and other vehicles arrived in Volljaka and were stationed in Boka e Përçevës opposite to Sverka and at the place called Pishat e Volljakës. Serbian forces are provoking the Albanian inhabitants by threatening them with new offensives.
SUHAREKA: At about 4.00 a.m., unknown persons burned the house and the shop of Rexhep Velia in Mushtisht.
GJAKOVA: A convoy of Serbian policemen and soldiers paraded through the town singing chetnik songs, provoking and threatening citizens. In Bishtazhin, Serbian police arrested Mark N. Karrica (27) and Prenk Z. Radi (27). Bujar Sylhasi, an architect from Gjakova, is in detention for 3 days now, under the pretext that police found a visit-card of his was found at Albesian Sali Mataj (17), killed on 27 February. Under the pretext of searching for their sons, about 20 Serbian policemen in tanks and armoured cars raided the houses of Muharrem, Bajram and Demë Selmanaj from Dobrosh. Police left them summons to report to the police station. Such a summon was left to Muharrem's wife - Hyra (70).
GLLOGOC: Serbian police forces in some vehicles from "Ferronikel" Plant headed towards Llapushniku Gorge. Meanwhile, a "Mig" military plane and a helicopter flew over the Drenica region.
RAHOVEC: The movements and provocations of the Serbian police are going on. Three policemen raided the house of Afrim B. Bala, who was at home.
PRISHTINA: A police squad passed through the villages of Barileva and Drenoc and headed towards Babimoc, where panic was caused among pupils. The presence of the Serbian forces in these villages has increased and people fear that they might undertake a police action.
PODUJEVA: In the vicinity of Lupç i Poshtëm, Serbian police stopped the car of Afrim Islami (1965) from Dumnica e Poshtme, owner of the "Abis" private firm, and severely ill-treated him.
FERIZAJ: All documentation from the local registration offices in the villages of Varosh, Tankosiq, Zllatar and Mirosala was transferred towards Ferizaj.

3 MARCH:

VUSHTRRI: Serbian forces are shelling the villages of Oshlan, Taraxha, Duboc, Galica, Liqej, Okrashtica, Balinca and Pantina since last night. Detonations are heard in the town itself. Police forces are stationed on all cross-roads of the town. During the last days, Serbian forces stationed in Novolan severely ill-treated tens of Albanians. Today, while on his way back home, Rexhep Zymberi (50) from Novolan was severely ill-treated.
MITROVICA: The shelling of the villages of Vaganica, Pirç and Vërrnica (Mitrovica) and Oshlan, Pantina and Liqej (Vushtrri) went on. Detonations were heard in Mitrovica. Military planes flew over the town until midnight. Large movement of Serbian police and armed civilians are noticed in the town. On the road Mitrovica-Vinarc, Serbian police stopped the bus of "Ariani" travel agency, owned by Gani Sherif Beka (46), forced all passengers out of the bus and ordered the driver Sami Sherif Beka (33) not to travel any more on this line "as he does not have proper documentation". Three policemen arrested Skënder Osman Igrishta (40) from Selac, sheltered in the "2 Korriku" quarter in Mitrovica. Policeman Mirko Steviq from Tuneli i Parë loots cigarettes from Albanian cigarette vendors every day. Then, he sells them in his shop at the Ibri Bridge. In the vicinity of the building where Security Serbian workers live, 5 policemen provoked and insulted on a national basis Rrahim Shaban Pllana (55), his brother Rexhep (48) and his nephew Almir Avdullah Pllana (16) from Mitrovica. Compulsory authorities transferred the documentation from the local registration office in Shupkoc to the District Hall in Mitrovica.
PODUJEVA: In the centre of Podujeva, on the cross-roads to Kërpimeh, there were fire shots and a policeman was wounded. Later on, he died. Afterwards, large police forces arrived and severely ill-treated tens of the Albanian citizens.
SKËNDERAJ: After the warn of Serbian military and police forces for their passing on the road Skënderaj-Gllogoc, the situation is very tense. The local population is fleeing towards other villages.
HANI I ELEZIT: Sporadic shots were heard towards the villages of Pustenik, Meliq, Brava and Seqishta. Some houses were burned in Pustenik. In Bush i Epërm, 12 houses were shelled and the house of Latif Brava was burned. The following 5 out of 6 Albanians arrested yesterday in Pustenik were released today: Zijadin Bushi (1938), Refik Bushi (1951), Sadik Zenun Bushi (1940), Menduh Bushi (45) and Halit Bushi (50). Suad Hysen Brava (18) is still in detention at the Security Centre in Ferizaj.
KAÇANIK: Serbian police arrested Bashkim Azem Çallaku (1966), "Migjeni" st., and took him to the Security Centre in Ferizaj.
FERIZAJ: Serbian policemen raided the houses of Osman and Zymer Maloku, "Vuk Karaxhiq" st., and searched for Nefail, Milaim and Naser Maloku. In Koshare, while travelling by tractor, Haqif Neziri (35) from Mollopolc (Shtime) was arrested and taken to the Security Centre in Ferizaj. While parading through the town, soldiers pointed their weapons towards the passers-by.
SHTËRPCA: At midnight, unknown persons burned the shop of Nijazi Haliti in Brod.
OBILIQ: Serbian police raided the house of Shaban Hashani (1942), whom they arrested, interrogated and later on released. Some Serbian youngsters insulted the representatives of the OSCE KVM while they were on duty in Obiliq. In Millosheva, Serbian police confiscated 5 cube metres of timbers, in property of the "Mother Theresa" Humanitarian & Charitable Association, which were dedicated to the displaced families.
PRISHTINA: In the vicinity of the "Zenel Hajdini" Primary School, Serbian police arrested a man aged 30, forced him into the car and took him towards an unknown direction.
ISTOG: The Serb called Vukashin, a worker with the PTT in Peja, and a companion of his, kidnapped Shaban Thaçi (70) from Dubovik (Deçan), sheltered in Banja e Pejës. He was released after the intervention of the OSCE.
MALISHEVA: Serbian forces opened fire towards the villages of Balinca, Llazica, Vërnica and Mleçan.
KLINA: In Jelloc, Serbian forces burned 2 Albanian houses. The inhabitants of Resnik raided their houses. Serbian policemen and civilians brutally intervened in some Albanian shops in Klina and severely ill-treated Nikollë Grabanica, an old man, and pupils Bekim Raci, Naim and Tomorr Berisha, as well as Blerim Hasani. In this district, the following 28 settlements were completely destroyed: Jashanica, Gremnik, Dollc, Çupeva e Poshtme, Çupeva e Epërme, Drenoc, Kërrnica, Sverka, Volljaka, Dush, Ujmir, Siçeva, Çabiq, Cerovik, Gllareva, Rixheva, Burim (Stapanica), Grabanica, Bokshiq, Çeskova, Këpuz, Dollova, Gjurgjevik i Madh, Dush i Sverkës, Jelloc, Grapc, Binxha and Shtarica. The following 14 settlements were partially destroyed: Zajm, Budisalc, Krusheva e Madhe, Shtupel, Klinac, Përçeva, Dobërdol, Zabërgja, Pogragja, Resnik, Gjurgjevik i Vogël, Ranoc, Leskoc and Klina.

4 MARCH:

VUSHTRRI: In the early hours of the morning, a convoy of military and police forces in over 30 tanks, armoured cars, transporters, lorries, etc., from Mitrovica arrived in the vicinity of the military barracks in Vushtrri. Other police forces joined this convoy and headed towards Mihaliq and other villages of Qyqavica. These villages were shelled and machine gunned. During the last two days, the Albanian population of Mihaliq, Druar, Shallc and other villages fled towards other settlements. A number of the population gathered in Resnik, where they are endangered by a possible intervention of the Serbian forces. In Novolan, Serbian police severely ill-treated Ramadan Sahit Tahiri (36), while he was on his way to work. Due to injuries suffered, he had to seek for medical assistance. Serbian police stopped and severely ill-treated Rifat Hasim Perçuku (18), a pupil with the Technical Secondary School in Vushtrri.
MITROVICA: Between 6.00 and 10.00 p.m., Serbian army shelled and machine gunned the villages of Vaganica, Vërrnica and Pirç. There were fire shots in the "Kroi i Vitakut", "7 Shtatori" and Romanians' quarters. In the "Bair" quarter, Serbian army demolished the house of Fetah Mehmeti (70). Muharrem Riza Smakolli (65) from Rashan and many other Albanians were arrested by the Serbian police while they were queuing for their pensions.
GLLOGOC: Today, at about 5.00 a.m., a military convoy of 9 tanks and a lorry headed towards Llapushniku Gorge and attacked Gjergjica, where the KLA units confronted them. After two hours, Serbian forces withdrew. Meanwhile, 3 helicopters flew over this region.
GJAKOVA: There were fire shots all night long in the villages of Reka e Keqe on the border with Albania. There were fire shots in the town, too, where the situation is very grave. Serbian policemen are ill-treating and arresting tens of Albanian civilians.
RAHOVEC: Between the villages of Brestoc and Hoça, armed Serbian civilians kidnapped 4 Albanians from Rahovec.
PODUJEVA: Serbian police forces stationed at the place called "Qershitë e Llapashticës" and on the cross-roads to Kërpimeh arrested an Albanian youngster and severely ill-treated Jashar Bejtullahu from Podujeva. In the vicinity of the spot where a Serbian policemen was killed last night, the house of Shahin Shabani was raided. The following were beaten by the Serbian police: Rrahim Hoxha and Halim Uka (45) from Obrança, Beqir Llumnica (48) from Bellopoja and Fadil Ahmeti, as well as other citizens from Podujeva.
PRIZREN: Large Serbian military forces were stationed along the road Prizren-Dragash, at the villages of Vlashnje, Zhur, Billusha, Vërmica and the villages of Opoja. They had their weapons pointed at these villages. Two helicopters from the direction of the border with Albania flew low over the town.
KAÇANIK: Serbian policemen arrested and severely ill-treated Rrustem Emin Berisha (1975) and Arsim Xhevat Berisha (1980). After a while, both were released. Police beat Sylejman Ilaz Sopa (1960), whose house is in the vicinity of the police station.
SUHAREKA: Some soldiers were separated from the military convoy which was heading towards Prizren. They stopped in Shiroka and looted some Albanian private shops. In "Kastrioti" shop, owned by Vesel Topalli, they looted, provoked and insulted on a national basis his 20-year-old daughter.
OBILIQ: In the outskirts of Plemetin, Serbian forces prevented the displaced persons from the villages of Vushtrri from entering this village. Armed Serbian civilians arrested two of them and took them to the police station in Obiliq. One of them, Nexhat Ibrahimi from Mihaliq, was released later on, whereas the other one is still in detention. In the outskirts of Lajthishta, Serbian policemen and civilians opened fire towards the bus travelling from Palaj to Lajthishta and Hamidi and forced it to return back. Nor the other buses were allowed to travel on this line.
LIPJAN: On the cross-road of the village of Magura, Serbian forces stopped the bus travelling from Prishtina to Shala e Lipjanit, forced the passengers out of the bus, separated men from women and children and demolished the bus. Men were severely ill-treated and panic was caused among women and children. The bus driver was ordered to return to Prishtina, but when he made an attempt to return, policemen opened fire towards the back side of the bus. In Koshare (Ferizaj), Serbian police arrested and severely ill-treated Ramadan Bajrami (25) from Kraishta (Lipjan) and Nazmi Gurri (21) from Gllavica (Shtime).
FERIZAJ: Serbian police arrested Jusuf Dalip Beqa (36) and a youngster aged 22 of the Hashani family from Ferizaj, as well as two other youngsters from Koshare. A military convoy passed through the town and pointed their weapons towards the passers-by.

5 MARCH:

PRISHTINA: Danica Marinkoviq, an investigating judge with the Serbian Run District Court, sent out a wanted circular for Hashim Thaçi, leader of the KLA Political Directory and chairman of the Kosova Delegation in the International Conference in Rambouillet in France.
PODUJEVA: During the last two days, Serbian military and police forces shelled and machine gunned the villages of Godishnjak, Penuha, Burica, Sallabaja and Llapashtica. Today, 20 vehicles full of policemen from Serbia arrived in Kosova and headed towards Prishtina. At the cross-road to Kërpimeh, Serbian police beat Emin Zenel Halimi (35) from Breca and an adult.
GLLOGOC: Serbian forces attacked the Greiçeci quarter in Gjergjica. At least 13 tanks from Prishtina headed towards Llapushniku Gorge and were stationed in the vicinity of this village in attempt to enter it. Meanwhile, clashes between Serbian forces and KLA go on, whereas the population fled and took shelter in the forests. A Serbian convoy of 19 tanks and other vehicles headed towards Komoran.
LIPJAN: Serbian military forces in 6 armoured cars, some APCs and war machinery attacked the KLA units in Blinaja. There were fire shots in the park in Blinaja. 3 Serbian policemen were wounded and taken to Prishtina. The situation in Magura (Lipjan) is very grave. Many inhabitants and passers-by were beaten by the Serbian forces. On the road between Magura and Blinaja, a police lorry was attacked and 11 policemen were wounded, among whom Slavolub Simonoviq, Vladica Simiq, Stevan Ragjenoviq, Radislav Nedelkoviq and Danko Çalov are in danger.
MITROVICA: Serbian forces shelled and machine gunned the villages of Pirç, Vërnica and Vaganica (Mitrovica) and Oshlan, Pantina and Liqej (Vushtrri). There were fire shots in the quarters "Kroi i Vitakut", "Kodra e Minatorëve" and "7 Shtatori" in Mitrovica. Traffic policemen stop Albanian cars and send them to automobile inspection. In the "Ibri" quarter, in the house of Xhylë Imeri (75), Serbian police arrested two Albanian youngsters from Pantina and Bajgora, sheltered in Mitrovica. In the same quarter, police arrested Ramë Deli Rugova (44), Avni (25) and Femi Beqiri (26) from Bajgora. In the vicinity of the green market, police arrested Esat Rifat Xhafa (20) from Bare.
KAÇANIK: In Glloboçica, in the vicinity of the border with Macedonia, Serbian military and police forces checked 2 vans with humanitarian aids of the international organizations dedicated to the displaced population, prevented the distribution of aids and forced the team leaders to return back. In the centre of the town, police squads are checking and provoking the passers-by. A Serbian policeman dragged an infant Albanian cigarette vendor for his hair to the police station.
MALISHEVA: The presence of the Serbian forces has increased. Consequently, the population is fleeing Balinca, Llazica and Mleçan.
PEJA: A bomb was dropped in a restaurant in Peja and the following were wounded: Milivoje Kovaçeviq (58), Zhelimir and Dejan Bogiqeviq (33), Dejan Mijatoviq (30), Ivica Mitroviq and Slavica Markoviq.
VUSHTRRI: Serbian police severely ill-treated Hajdar T. Beqiri (17) from Bajgora (Mitrovica) and Rexhep, Bajram, Zymer and Hajriz Zymeri; Agron, Fitim and Abdullah Rama; Isa and Muharrem Kovaçi; Shemsi Hajrizi, Adem Ademi, Ramadan Tahiri and Haxhi Rrahmani from Novolan.
FUSHË-KOSOVA: About 80 inhabitants of Graboc i Poshtëm, accompanied by representatives of the OSCE KVM, visited their destroyed, demolished and looted houses. After 2 hours, they were forced to return as Serbian policemen had occupied the majority of their houses.

6 MARCH:

VUSHTRRI: For 12 days now, Serbian military and police forces have sieged 23 villages of Qyqavica. Fresh forces with cannons and rocket launchers arrived today. The villages of Druar, Mihaliq, Resnik, Pantina, Oshlan, Liqej, Balinca, Pasoma, Ceceli and Dumnica were attacked. Some inhabitants fled their homes. 15 Serbian policemen were stationed in the house of Svetislav Rakiçeviq in Banjska. They started to dig trenches around the house. A military convoy of 8 lorries with cannons and an armoured car arrived in Bukosh.
MITROVICA: Serbian military and police forces shelled the villages of Pirç, Vaganica, Vërnica and Oshlan. Serbian policemen and armed civilians severely ill-treated Besart Fazli Istrefi (19), "Tavnik" quarter, and many other citizens.
PODUJEVA: In the afternoon, Serbian military and police forces shelled the villages of Godishnjak and Sallabaja. 3 houses were burned in Godishnjak.
LIPJAN: The situation in Magura is very tense. Large Serbian police forces and armed civilians are watching every movement of the local inhabitants. The road Lipjan-Magura is still blocked. Groups of armed Serbian civilians broke and destroyed almost all Albanian shops. Police did not intervene to prevent them.
PRIZREN: Large Serbian military forces were stationed in the children's resort in Nashec. Loud detonations were heard in the military barracks. Large police forces were stationed in three streets of the town. In the flea market, Serbian police confiscated a quantity of goods from the Albanian vendors and intervened in the spare parts shop, owned by Sadri Sait Paçarizi (38). They arrested him and severely ill-treated him for 4 hours.
GJAKOVA: Large Serbian military forces were stationed in the village of Goden on the border with Albania.
HANI I ELEZIT: The following are in detention in the police station in Han i Elezit since yesterday: Musli Ali Bushi and Metush Loku Qorri from Hani i Elezit and Shaban Hasan Kuka from Seçishta. During the last two days, there were fire shots in the affected villages.
PRISHTINA: In the "Velania" quarter, mainly inhabited by Albanians, many Serbian policemen were seen. They are stopping and provoking the inhabitants and passers-by.
RAHOVEC: Serbian policemen passed through the town pointing their weapons at the passers-by and singing chetnik songs. Policemen in an APC attempted to provoke those that were paying tribute to Gani Qerim Hajda (1950), killed 4 days ago.

7 MARCH:

VUSHTRRI: Serbian military and police forces attempted to get through Mihaliq, but were confronted by the KLA units. They went back to Druar and were stationed in the vicinity of the primary school and the Ibër-Lepenc Water Supply. Fresh forces from Bukosh and Vërrnica joined them. There were clashes in Repica and Svaraçak. Serbian forces shelled the villages of Taraxha, Pantina, Liqej and Oshlan. The humanitarian situation of the inhabitants of Druar, Mihaliq, Shallc and other villages is very grave. About 1000 inhabitants of these villages spent the night in the mountains of Qyqavica. The inhabitants of Samadrexha, Repica, Vilanc and Sfaraçak fled their homes since yesterday. In Druar, Serbian police wounded Mentor Salihu (21). In Vushtrri, police beat Mexhit F. Hyseni (29).
PODUJEVA: During the last two days, Serbian military and police forces attacked the villages of Majac, Sallabaja, Godishnjak, Penuh, Konushec, Burica, Llapashtica e Epërme, Llapashtica e Poshtme, Katunishta and Obrança. Heavy artillery, tanks and rocket launchers were used. In Penuh, the mosque was shelled and machine gunned. The clashes between Serbian forces and the KLA units covered a front line of 25 km.
LIPJAN: Local Serbs went on breaking and demolishing the Albanian shops, whereas some Serbian youngsters drove their cars very fast in order to cause panic and insecurity. The members of the "local" police stood aside allegedly to "intervene" for "security measures".
KAÇANIK: Armed policemen are stopping and checking the passers-by all over the town. Over 20 lorries and other vehicles full of Serbian policemen and soldiers headed towards Hani i Elezit and Llanishta. In Han i Elezit, Adem Shefki Shkreta (1945) and Hazir Havzi Vlashi (1951) from Seçishta were arrested.
MITROVICA: In the vicinity of green market, Serbian police arrested Sylejman Muharrem Uka (27), "Tavnik" quarter, and 3 other Albanian youngsters.
RAHOVEC: Local Serbs usurped 20 Albanian flats, who fearing from the massacres, were forced to close them down and take shelter somewhere else.

DELAYED INFORMATION:

ISTOG: On 25 February, Serbian police severely ill-treated Ramadan Tafilaj (1951) from Rakosh, under the pretext that he had spent 3 days in Drenica and visited the KLA Headquarters.
MITROVICA: On 26 February, in the vicinity of the post office in Vushtrri, 6 Serbian policemen stopped and arrested Bahri Ramiz Istrefi (28) from Bajgora and sent him to the police station in Vushtrri.
KAÇANIK: On 27 February, in the vicinity of the "Silcapor" Plant, Serbian policemen forced out of the car the following: Nijazi Tefik Sallahu from Biçec, Avni Salihu from Duraj and Bashkim Hasaj from Gabrrica. They were taken to the police station in Ferizaj and were subjected to the severe ill-treatment.
OBILIQ: On 27 February, in Dardhishta, Serbian policemen arrested Enver H. Osmani (1971) from Lajthishta and took him towards Prishtina. Ever since, his whereabouts are unknown.

NOTICE: During the last offensive of the Serbian military forces on some villages of Qyqavica, which started on 22 February 1999, in Shtitarica (Vushtrri), the houses of the following people were looted and demolished: Daut, Isak, Hakif, Bejtullah, Selim, Hasim, Xhemajl, Ramadan, Sherif, Rexhep, Muharrem, Sabri, Rexhep, Mehdi and Avni Pllana; Bajram, Sinan, Selim, Bilall, Shukri, Musa, Tahir, Enver, Shefqet, Abedin, Faik, Isak and Behxhet Meholli and Sokol, Ramadan and Rexhep Jusufi.

Prishtina, 7 March 1999

Infromation Service

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