REPORT NO. 437
ON THE WIDESPREAD REPRESSION
AND HARASSMENT PERPETRATED
BY THE SERBIAN POLICE AND
OTHER AUTHORITIES IN KOSOVA
FROM SEPTEMBER 20
UNTIL SEPTEMBER 27, 1998
REPORT No. 437
ON THE WIDESPREAD REPRESSION AND HARASSMENT PERPETRATED
BY THE SERBIAN POLICE AND OTHER AUTHORITIES IN
KOSOVA
FROM SEPTEMBER 20 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 27 1998
SEPTEMBER 20:
PODUJEVA: The corpse of Haki Rekaliu (35) from
Dobratin was identified. He was killed on September 17, during the recent
offensive of the Serbian police and militaries forces on the villages of
Llapi region.
On September 18-20 there was shooting in the
village of Turiqica. Serb villagers are being drafted from the villages
near Orllan.
SHTIME: In Duga, Serbian police forces killed
Fejzullah Ruhan Zejnullahu (83).
MALISHEVA: In Gurbardh, the new-born baby of
Milaim and Selvije Morina from Ostrozub died due to the difficult living
conditions in the open, and the lack of medical assistance. On having a
spontaneous abortion, Afërdita Berisha is in a very bad health condition.
PRIZREN: On threatening the inhabitants of Romaja
to hand in their weapons, Serbian military forces separated men from the
other villagers. They were forced into the school premises, interrogated
and ill-treated. Serb forces fabricated an attack by the KLA and started
ill-treating women and children. 21 houses were burned in Romaja. The following
are among those who were most ill-treated: Islam Ahmet Gutaj (14), Beqir
Maksut Cahani (14) and his father Florim Musë Smajli (20), Riza Qena
(50), Halil Maksut Qena (50) and Mejdi (37) and Shani Duraj (35). The situation
is very much the same in the villages on the border with Albania. Police
arrested Sami Veli Gashi (45) from Hoça e Qytetit.
FERIZAJ: In Nerodima, the houses of Musli, Shefki,
Milaim, Isuf Murtez and Gani Neziri were burned due to shelling. The very
same happened to the house of Hasan Musli Neziri.
KAÇANIK: 2 military officers from the
sentry box in Glloboçica, an officer of the border police and a
custom officer opened automatic fire in the outskirts of this village.
MITROVICA: In the vicinity of the bus station,
2 policemen stopped and beat Halil Haxhi Topalli (48) from the "Tavnik"
quarter. In Koshtova e Bobit, fire was opened on the house of Riza Aziz
Deliu (60).
KLINA: Serbian police provoked the catholic believers
who were returning from church. Gjergj Dedeja (66) and Hil Gjergjaj (56)
were physically ill-treated.
SKËNDERAJ: In Çirez, KLA units stopped
a delegation of the political parties in Kosova. The following members
of this delegation were detained for 48 hours: Gjergj Dedaj, chairman of
the Liberal Party and vice-chairman of the Assembly of Kosova, Agim Krasniqi,
member of the board of the LDK, Mehdi Bardhi, member of the LDK, Veli Bytyçi,
vice-chairman of the Albanian Demo-Christian Party (PSHDK), Simon Agostini
and Kurtesh Devaja, members of the (PSHDK), Sokol Blakaj and Halim Mujku,
members of the board of the Liberal Party, Milaim Kadriu, chairman of the
PPSH, Musa Binakaj, member of the PPSH, Çaush Bajrushi, chairman
of the Independent Trade Unions for Housing Issues, and prof. dr. Jusuf
Telaku, deputy of the Assembly of Kosova.
SEPTEMBER 21:
TIRANA: At about 11.25 p.m., two masked persons
killed colonel Ahmet Krasniqi (1948), from Zhilivoda near Vushtrria, Minister
of Defence of the Republic of Kosova.
PODUJEVA: In Bajçina, the corpses of the
4 Albanians who were burned beyond recognition on September 17 were identified:
Xhafer Lan Ajvazi (65), Ejup Idriz Sejdiu (35) and Rrahim Bejtë Ramadani
(16) - from Dobratin and Muhamet Mehmet Fazliu (35) from Llausha near Podujeva.
There was shooting and shelling in Obrança
and at the place called "Tabet e Llapashticës". A military superior
threatened the inhabitants of Llapashtica to hand in the weapons, otherwise
they would be "burned to ashes". Meanwhile, the population of Llapashtica
and Obrança fled their homes.
KLINA: The mutilated corpse of Gjyle Hajdari
(75) was found in a deep well. Since September 16, the corpse of Ramadan
Morina (65) was left unburied in Qupeva e Poshtme.
SUHAREKA: Serbian police and military forces
gathered the Albanians from the villages of Gjinoc, Sopija, Mushtisht and
Reçan and gave them an ultimatum to hand in their weapons by 12.00
p.m., the next day. They had put Albanian flags, KLA emblems, photos of
Skënderbeu and other inscriptions on their tanks.
PRIZREN: The villages of Kushnin, Lugishta, Kabash,
Dedaj and Romaja are still under the iron siege of Serbian police and military
forces. These villages are in smoke and fire. The men are kept captive
in the premises of the local school. The inhabitants of Gjonaj, Krajk,
Bregdri, Tupec and Lukinaj are fleeing the village. Sylë Millaku,
a former policeman and a former political prisoner, was arrested in his
house in "Trigllavi" st. 21. In the villages of Zojza and Pirana, a group
of drunken policemen opened fire. 7 passers-by were ill-treated and arrested.
PRISHTINA: According to Remzije Haziri from Prishtina,
since September 17, there are no information on the whereabouts of her
husband Xhavit Bajram Haziri (1960), a member of the CDHRF and a former
political prisoner. Xhavit was kidnapped by police inspectors, while going
to work. The family and the lawyers representing him were given no information
regarding the reasons of the kidnapping. CDHRF has appealed to international
organizations for the defence of human rights and to the ICRC to intervene.
MITROVICA: Serbian police arrested Ilmi Uka,
Afrim Zeneli and Agron Shaban Zeneli (17) from Zabërgja. Mevlud Arifi
and Hafiz Halili from the "Tavnik" quarter in Mitrovica were stopped and
physically ill-treated.
LIPJAN: In Bujan, the following were arrested
and physically ill-treated: Ajet (36), Nexhat (39), Bislim (34) and Fadil
Buja (36) and 2 unidentified Albanians. At midnight, Igor Boshko Ristiq
burned the cattle fodder owned by Zenel Nela.
GJAKOVA: In Lipovec, Serbian forces burned the
stone house of Zeqirja Haliti. The house was 200 years old. In the outskirts
of Gjakova, they demolished and destroyed the premises of the "Fan Stilian
Noli" Primary School.
SEPTEMBER 22:
MITROVICA: In the premises of the Technical School
weapons are distributed to Serb civilians. They went towards the local
prison and were stationed in the vicinity of the Culture Center and along
the road between Mitrovica and Shipol. At 7 a.m., Serbian police and military
forces shelled Vaganica e Epërme, Vërrnica and Pirçin.
The following were killed: Nysret Avdurrahim Ferati (60), Adem Tafil Azemi
(38) and Sali Adem Sejdiu (26) from Vërrnica, Selim Jashar Sagaqi
from Pirç and 3 unidentified Albanians. 10 civilians were wounded.
100 Albanians (handcuffed) were brought to the
train station in Mitrovica. They were taken to the police station in Mitrovica.
On shelling Vaganica, Serb infantry overran the village. They looted and
burned the Albanian houses in the Haxhiu and Gjoshi quarters. In Lushta,
they burned the cattle fodder owned by Sadri Bajgora. In the house of Hasan
Ahmet Sejdiu (43), Serb forces looted a TV set, a satellite receiver, a
video player and DM 2200. In the house of Zymer Shaqir Aliu (35) they stole
golden jewelry, estimated to DM 8000. Ali Ajet Veseli (54) and Ibish Beqir
Aliu (62) were beaten in the presence of their family members. Many houses
in the villages of Vaganica e Epërme, Vërrnica and Pirç
are on fire. In Kopriva, fire was opened on Xhylazim (22) and Sead Ajet
Baliu (17). Ever-since there are no information on their whereabouts. In
Frashër i Madh, Nuhi Rexhep Prestreshi (43) was beaten by the police.
In Kçiq i Madh, Serb snipers were stationed along the banks of the
Sitnica river. In Shipol, police looted Binak Kabashi's bakery. In the
vicinity of "Ura e Gjakut", Latif Smajl Smajli (16) was stopped and beaten
by the police. On the road between Kopriva and Mitrovica, police arrested
Ajet Milazim Baliu (46). He and his family were fleeing to town.
VUSHTRRI: Serbian police and military forces
surrounded the villages near Çiçavica. They shelled Gllavotin,
Strovc and Beçuk. Serb forces were accompanied by armed Serb civilians.
In Oshlan, Sheremet Bajram Sheremeti (42), Rrahim Mehmeti (60) and 2 unidentified
Albanians were killed. 8 Albanians were wounded. Serb infantry overran
the village of Resnik. There are no information on those who did not manage
to flee the village. Serb forces accompanied by armored cars were stationed
along the banks of the Sitnica river. Armed Serb civilians are patrolling
through the streets of Vushtrria. The inhabitants of the villages near
Çiçavica, are fleeing in different directions and are seeking
shelter in safer places. It is supposed that many were killed and wounded.
GLLOGOC: Serbian police and military forces launched
an offensive against the villages of Tërstenik, Çikatova e
Vjetër, Çikatova e Re, Gllobar, Shtutica and Vërboc. These
villages were overrun by more than 130 military vehicles. Most of the houses
are on fire. In Çikatova e Re, the house of Xhemë Binaku, member
of the board of the Sub-CDHRF in Gllogoc, was burned. Serb tanks were stationed
in the Gjokaj quarter in Tërstenik. From here, they are shelling the
nearby villages. Serb infantry is approaching the village of Qirez near
Skënderaj. Thousands of people have sought shelter in this village.
Serbian forces stationed in the Ammunition Factory in Skënderaj are
shelling the villages of Shtrubullova, Bainca, Dobroshec and Gllanasella.
The situation of the displaced is made worse by the threat of a possible
massacre.
SKËNDERAJ: Since early in the morning, Serbian
police and military forces have launched an attack on Prekaz i Epërm.
This village is in smoke and fire.
FERIZAJ: In Jezerc, Bekim Osmani (19) was killed
due to shelling. Fatmir Avdyli (18) and Abdullah Sejdiu (22) were wounded.
OBILIQ: Serbian police and military forces launched
a fierce attack on the villages of Hamidia, Sibovc, Lajthishta and Shipitulla.
In Sibovc, Serb snipers severely wounded Habibie Shaljani (50). Hatixhe
Sadiku and her son Migjen Sadiku (26) took her in their tractor and tried
to take her to a doctor. They were stopped by the police. Migjen was arrested
and taken to the police station in Obiliq. Ever-since there are no information
on his whereabouts. Amir and Avni Shaljani were wounded by the Serbian
forces.
PLAVA: Montenegrin police entered the village
of Bukla under the pretext of searching for Albanian refugees. Women and
children were gathered and forced to leave the village. As Rabe Daci refused
to leave, the barrel of an automatic gun was put on her throat. Hasime
Xhema and her 7 children from the village of Dubovc near Skënderaj
were forced to leave, even-though they were sheltered in the house of her
father.
PRIZREN: The attorney with the Serbian run District
Court in Prizren initiated the investigative proceedings against Besim
(1969) and Ismet Hazir Paçarizi (1958) and Ejup Ejup Elezi (1949)
from Prizren. They were sent to pre-trial detention and accused for "hostile
activity" and "terrorism".
PRISHTINA: Zeqir Ali Gashi (1963), a student
of medicine, was arrested by the Serbian police. He was in his nephews
flat in the "Ulpiana" quarter, D-9 4.
SUHAREKA: Serb soldiers went into the "Vaso Pashë
Shkodrani" Primary School. Safet Gashi, Nexhat Vranoci and Luljeta Gashi,
teachers, and Faruk Llapashtica, an employee, were threatened and ill-treated.
School inventory was demolished and school documentation was seized. Later
on, they went to the house of Musli Voci and threatened and ill-treated
him.
PEJA: In the "Fidanishte" quarter, Fatime Gjonbalaj
(44) was wounded. At the check-point in Kroi i Sakës, police arrested
Avni Bajram Gashi (24) from the village of Buqan near Peja. The district
attorney in Peja initiated the investigative proceedings against 16 Albanians
indicted for "terrorism".
SEPTEMBER 23:
OBILIQ-VUSHTRRI-DRENICA: At 8.30 a.m., Serbian
police, military and paramilitary forces, accompanied by tens of tanks,
re-launched an attack on the villages of the Kosova Plain, Drenica and
Çiçavica. Due to the incessant shelling, the following villages
are in smoke and fire: Gllavotin, Bivolak, Strovc, Zhilivoda, Beçuk,
Hamidi, Sibovc, Lajthishta, Tërstenik, Shtutica, Vërboc, Polluzha
and Prekaz i Epërm. The remaining houses in the villages of Domanek
and Bainca are being destroyed.
On overrunning the villages of Bivolak, Gllavatin,
Prilluzha, Beçuk, Sibovc, Lajthishta and Shipitulla, Serb infantry
started burning the Albanian houses. Serb forces have come near Gradica.
In Vërboc, a Serb tank crushed Bahtije Gashi (80). 80% of the houses
in this village were burned. Among others the houses of Bajram, Sadik,
Valon, Rexhep and Gëzim Rukiqi were burned.
According to a person who managed to flee from
the "Ferronikli" Plant in Gllogoc, many Albanians are being kept in captivity
and are being tortured in this place. Among the detained is Ramë Asllani
from Makërmal near Skënderaj.
Up to now, 8 Albanians were wounded in Sibovc,
6 in Bivolak and Gllavotin, 4 in Grabovc and 2 in Shipitulla. 100.000 Albanians
from the attacked villages, mainly women, children and elderly have sought
shelter in the forests of Çiçavica and spent the night in
the open.
In the mountains of Berisha, at the place called
"Fusha e Mollës", Serbian police forces surrounded the displaced Albanians.
Men were separated from the others. For many hours, they were forced to
sit on the ground and threatened with execution. A car full of displaced
children was hit by a tank. Yesterday, a baby was born in the mountains.
At the very same place, Serbian police arrested
60 Albanian youngsters. The following are among the arrested: Artan Rexhep
Rukiqi (15), Rrahman Sadik Rukiqi (19), Faton Ymer Rukiqi (15), Agron Xhemajl
Rukiqi (20), Tafë Rukiqi and his wife Halime Rukiqi; Ylber, Avni,
Safet and Liridon Rukiqi; Januz Rukiqi, Kujtim Ismet Gashi (17), Mehdi
(22) and Zymber Hamdi Gashi (25); Enver Sheqir Gashi, Çlirim and
Arben Zeqir Gashi; Albert Gani Gashi, Safet Shefqet Gashi, Albert Azem
Gashi; Nijazi, Milaim, Armend and Feriz Gashi; Mentor Ilaz Dobra, Artan
Nuhi Dobra; Sabri, Faton, Xhevat and Albert Dobra; Ramadan, Fehmi, Bekim,
Milaim, Agron and Isa Kastrati; Avni, Riza, Ismet, Përparim, Mursel,
Ferat, Fitim, Agron, Behlul, Haki and Arsim Prokshi; Shpëtim and Bekim
Prokshi; Abedin, Isuf and Ruzhdi Gllareva; Rexhep and Qerim Fiku; Istref
Sabria from Vërboc (Gllogoc); Rekë Aliu, Vesel Aliu and Bedri
Hamiti from Likoc (Skënderaj); Shaban Zyhrani from Llausha (Skënderaj);
Enver, Fatos and Abedin Bylykbashi from Tërstenik (Gllogoc); Ymer
Hajdaraj from Obria (Gllogoc); Muharrem Ali Nimani (18) from Çubrel
(Skënderaj); Ylber Deliu, Rexhep Zabeli and Bajram Rukolli from Rezalla
(Skënderaj); Milaim Bajraktari from Klina (Skënderaj); Faruk
and Fatbardh Daka from Cerovik (Klina), etc. There are no information on
the whereabouts of Vehbi Ismet Gashi (19).
For many days now, Imer Hajdini from Obria (Gllogoc),
Faruk Daka from Cerovik (Klina) and Raif Alia from Likoc (Skënderaj)
are reported missing.
PODUJEVA: The corpses of Islam Ali Rekaliu (23)
and Selim Sabedin Rekaliu (22) were found in the village of Dobratin. They
were killed during the offensive of the Serbian police and military forces
on September 17.
VUSHTRRI: The corpse of Bislim Kamer Brahimi
(32) from the village of Kçiq i Madh near Mitrovica was found in
Oshlan. A second corpse could not be identified. In Mihaliq, Serbian police
arrested Xhevdet Rrahmani (1975), a student. He trying to set free the
cattle from his burning house. Xhevdet was taken to the police station
in Prilluzha and beaten brutally for more than 5 hours. He was accused
of being a member of the KLA.
MALISHEVA: In the vicinity of the primary school
in Llazica, Serbian police killed Lulzim Avdyl Gashi (1981) from Vërnica.
SKËNDERAJ: On September 19, during the Serb
attack on the place called "Qafa e Kingjit", between the villages of Makërmal
and Likoc, Hasan Jashar Hoti (82) was killed. In our previous report (no.
436) we had informed by mistake that the killed was Naser Jashar Hoti.
Hasan's relatives went to the ruins of his house in Likoc, but did not
manage to find the corpse. Since September 19, there are no information
on the whereabouts of Xhafer Kadriu (50), a teacher from Likoc. He was
kidnapped by Serb forces.
GJAKOVA: In Nivokaz, Serb snipers killed Ukë
Tahir Rexha (75). Uka was killed in his house yard. It was confirmed that
Kastriot Gurkuqi (31) from Gjakova is in the Peja prison. He had been reported
missing since August 21.
MITROVICA: In Vaganica, the corpses of Sedullah
Selman Dibrani (47) and Avni Jetullah Dibrani (20) from Gradica (Skënderaj)
were identified. In Frashër i Vogël, Serb soldiers opened fire
towards Rifat Osman Pllana (30) and Arsim Rexhep Pllana (32). In the "Ura
e Gjakut" quarter, police arrested Fazli Hajrë Hajrizi (49), a professor
with the "Frang Bardhi" Gymnasium.
PEJA: Muhamet Ali Avdiaj (19) from Gramaçel
near Deçan was sentenced to a prison term of 7 years for "terrorism".
According to eye-witnesses, on September 11, the Yugoslav army killed Xhevat
Muharrem Sejfiaj and 10 other Albanians at the place called Qafa e Bogiqes,
in the district of Plava in Montenegro. The whereabouts of Rexhep Ramiz
Kaliçani from Peja, father of 4, are unknown since September 19.
DEÇAN: The whereabouts of Mujë Halil
Zekaj (1974) from Carrabreg i Poshtëm are unknown since August 8,
when he was kidnapped by the Serbian forces.
PLAVA: In the vicinity of the village of Musaj,
Montenegrin special police severely ill-treated Sherif Kadri Nikçi
from Shtupeq i Madh.
SUHAREKA: In Leshan, Serbian paramilitary forces
raided the school facilities and beat Faik Kryeziu, a school principal,
and the following teachers: Gëzim Bytyçi, Adnan Gashi, Ridvan
Kryeziu and Selajdin Elshani. In Sallagrazhda, Serbian police raided the
houses of Muhamet and Memedin Ahmetaj, Gegë, Frrok and Çun
Memaj. They provoked Bajram Sopaj, a school principal, severely ill-treated
Agim Vataj, a teacher, and interrogated many teachers and villagers.
PRIZREN: Elez Elezi, a teacher with the "Gjon
Buzuku" Gymnasium, is still under arrest.
SEPTEMBER 24:
GLLOGOC: During the last two days, in Shtutica,
Serbian forces killed the following: brothers Bajram (41) and Sami Jashar
Bajrami (21), Hysni (24) and Elhami Osman Osmani (15), Naim Ramadan Musliu
(30), Naim Kadri Gashi (27) and Sejdë Feriz Ramadani (24). It is believed
that many were killed in Vërboc. According to some unconfirmed information,
there are 6 unidentified corpses in the mosque's yard. Tens of wounded
Albanians are in a very critical condition, whereas thousands of Albanian
civilians are under the siege of Serbian police, military and paramilitary
forces.
Last night, 60 men, mainly youngsters, from Prekaz
i Epërm near Skënderaj were brought to the police station. The
arrested are in a very deteriorated condition. Thousands of Albanian civilians
are kept hostage in some villages of this district. Serbian forces separated
mature men from the others and we fear that they might mutilate them.
VUSHTRRI: In Oshlan, Hajrullah Gjaka (63), who
was killed the day before yesterday, was identified. Faton Syla (15) was
killed yesterday in Beçuk. Beqir Syla and another unknown Albanian
were wounded.
The villages of Okrashtica, Shtitarica, Beçuk
and Pantina are on fire. Serbian police expelled the population, separated
men from the others and took them to the police station. Serbian police
and military forces surrounded the village of Brusnik, where a large number
of displaced people had taken shelter. A police squad went to the mill
in the Zekolli quarter in Maxhunaj under the pretext of searching for two
persons and severely ill-treated Ramadan Zekolli and his grandson Halil
Zekolli (17).
KLINA: Ragip Shaban Berisha (36) from Gjurgjevik
i Madh was killed in the Drenica region. In Qupeva e Poshtme, the corpse
of an unidentified old man is still unburied. Sahit Salihu and Salih Jusufi
from Bokshiq were arrested in Ratisha. Ilaz Gashi from Çabiq was
arrested in the Gollubovci mountains. The whereabouts of Sali Shabani from
Grabanica are unknown.
SUHAREKA: A police and military convoy was stationed
in Reçan and opened fire towards the villagers working on the fields
and passers-by. Hazir Osman Bylykbashi (1952) was wounded, whereas the
following were ill-treated: Nait Ahmet Veselaj, Xhavit Shaban Veselaj and
Nexhat Mursel Veselaj. The villages of Krushica, Mohlan, Budakova and Papaz
were shelled. There was shooting in Suhareka.
OBILIQ: Parents Nafije and Musa Kelmendi from
Sibovc near Obiliq stated that since September 22, the whereabouts of their
children Tomorr (13), Arta (15), Arbëresha (10) and Dukagjin (7) are
unknown. They believe that their children are kept hostage by the Serbian
paramilitary forces.
At about 9.00 p.m., in the vicinity of the railway
station, a tractor was found. The corpse of Ardiana Klinaku (6 months)
was in it, as well as the following wounded: Fikrije Klinaku (5 months),
Sale, Fazli (60), Nexhat (32) and Azize Klinaku (70) and Fane Saraçi
(70) - all from Bivolak, Remzije Krasniqi from Zhilivoda near Vushtrri.
Serbian police arrested Sefedin Hoti from Sibovc near Obiliq.
PRISHTINA: At about 9.20 p.m., in the "Dardania"
quarter, two unknown persons wounded Sabri Hamiti, secretary of the Albanian
Press-Center in Prishtina, a deputy of the Assembly of Kosova and LDK member.
MITROVICA: An armoured car with Albanian youngsters
came from Skënderaj. At the bus station, police ill-treated Kimete
Bajram Berisha (30) from Kqiq i Madh, a student of the Mining Faculty in
Mitrovica.
PRIZREN: More than 700 Albanian families in Rogova
e Hasit are under the iron siege of Serbian police, military and paramilitary
forces. They were given an ultimatum to hand in the weapons. The natives
are in fear of a massacre. Soldiers raided and demolished 7 houses. The
following were arrested: Musa Azem Shala (1956), Qerim Jemin Morina (1960),
Refet Berisha (1973), Miftar Hoti (1962) and Beqir Shaqir Shala (1946).
KAÇANIK: In the Lushaj quarter in Doganaj,
police searched for weapons in 7 houses and gave the population an ultimatum
to hand in the weapons by 12.00 p.m. the very same day. The following were
summoned to the police station: Tefik (45), Bajram (52) and Ilmi Lushi
(33), a teacher.
FERIZAJ: Police arrested and severely ill-treated
brothers Ali (1977) and Shyqeri Rrahmani.
PEJA: 19 Albanians from the district of Deçan
were arrested in the village of Tërpeza in the district of Beran in
Montenegro. After 24 hours, Montenegrin police delivered them to the Serbian
police. Xhemsad Shehu (36) from Prejlep and Hajdar Pepaj (40) from Kodrali
near Deçan were arrested immediately. Montenegrin police severely
ill-treated all mature men at the Security Center in Beran.
SEPTEMBER 25:
VUSHTRRI: The situation of thousands of Albanian
civilians from the villages of Drenica, who have sought shelter in Brusnik,
mainly women, children and elderly, is dramatic. Many wounded Albanians
are in a very bad health condition. Due to the lack of medical assistance,
their lives are in danger. There is also a lack of food. In the meantime,
the Serb offensive on the villages of Drenica continues. Thousands of civilians
are surrounded in the Çiçavica mountains. They are targeted
by the Serbian forces. All mature men were arrested by the special police
units. There are no information on their whereabouts.
In an appeal made to the CDHRF, it is claimed
that there were mass executions of Albanian villagers in Dubovc and Galica.
The villagers of Beqiq were sent in an unknown direction. Due to the ongoing
operations, CDHRF cannot verify the presented data. The situation of tens
of thousands of displaced Albanians from the villages of Resnik and Brusnik,
including women, children and wounded persons, is dramatic.
SKËNDERAJ: The Serb offensive on the villages
of Drenica continues. The villages of Marina, Likoc and Tica are shelled.
On August 7, Kapllan Ahmetaj (1953) from Radisheva was killed in Qubrel.
Kapllan was in the company of Naim and Musa Ahmetaj. According to Naim,
Kapllan's corpse was put in an armoured car and taken to Mitrovica. The
very same day Musa was reported missing. Ever-since there are no information
on his whereabouts.
GLLOGOC: The police and military forces, which
were stationed in Komoran, were re-enforced with tens of tanks and armoured
cars. At 8 a.m., these forces started shelling the villages of Krajkova,
Domanek, Bainca, Poklek i Vjetër, Dobrashec and Vasileva. During the
offensive of the Serbian forces most of the villages in the district of
Gllogoc were destroyed. The displaced persons haven't got where to return
to. The situation is critical due to the lack of food, medicine and medical
assistance.
The following are still being kept in detention:
Shaban Zyhrani from Llausha; Bedri Hamiti from Likoc; Ramadan, Fehmi, Milazim,
Agron and Isa Kastrati; Abedin and Ruzhdi Gllareva; Behlul Prokshi and
Istref Sabria from Vërboc; Rexhep, Rrahim and Agim Zabeli and Bajram
Rukolli from Rezalla; Isuf Bylykbashi from Tërstenik and brothers
Mehdi and Hamdi Gashi from Vërboc. It is supposed that the above mentioned
were taken to the Security Center in Prishtina.
DEÇAN: On September 19, the corpse of
Sylejman Ukë Zekaj (62) was found in Carrabreg. He had been reported
missing since May 28.
FERIZAJ: Serbian forces shelled Nerodima e Poshtme
and Nerodima e Epërme. The Albanian inhabitants fled these villages.
GJAKOVA: Serbian police and military forces surrounded
the villages of Rogova and Babaj i Bokës. In Babaj i Bokës, 2
grenades were fired on the house of Zenel Sadiku. Mazllom Deliu was brutally
beaten. Musa Shala, Beqir Shala, Qerim Shala, Miftar Hoti and Rafet Berisha
were physically ill-treated.
OBILIQ: Last night, Ardiana Klinaku (6 months)
was buried by order of the Serbian police. She was wounded when a grenade
hit the tractor with which they were fleeing from the attacked region.
Since September 21, brothers Halim and Ibrahim Tahiri from the village
of Druar (Vushtrria) were reported missing. The 2 were travelling on a
train from Obiliq to Samadraxha. The train did not stop in the usual stations.
There are no information on the whereabouts of some 200 passengers who
were travelling with that train.
PRISHTINA: In the Serbian run District Court
in Prishtina, the following were sentenced to prison terms: Refki Suma,
chairman of the Sub-CDHRF in Hani i Elezit, and Nesim Curri (10 years),
Sherif Berisha (6 years), Hamit Berisha, Rexhep Shkreta, Zekeria Shkreta,
Fadil Berisha, Shefket Topojani and Hamdi Berisha (5 years).
MITROVICA: During the last 2 days, the local
hospital in Mitrovica is under blockade. Loud detonations can be heard
from the direction of Shtitarica and Vushtrria.
PODUJEVA: There were loud detonations and automatic
fire in the center of Podujeva.
PRIZREN: A new wave of displaced persons from
the villages of Suhareka arrived in Prizren.
KLINA: Serbian forces shelled the villages of
Këpuz, Sverka, Dush, Përçeva and Cerrovik. For more than
a month now, Fazli Gashi (67) from Grabanica is kept in detention. No charges
have been raised against him.
MALISHEVA: For the last 2 months, there are no
information on the whereabouts of the 9-member-family of Ejup Maliq Kryeziu
from Mleçan.
GJILAN: Muharrem Bajrami (1937), a teacher and
member of the board of the Union of the Political Subjects, was taken for
informative talks and interrogated by police inspector Stoshiq.
FUSHË KOSOVA: In the vicinity of the police
check-point in Bardhi i Madh, Fidaim Sadik Gashi from Grabovc i Poshtëm
was taken out of the bus. He was taken to the police station in Fushë
Kosova, brutally beaten and threatened with liquidation.
SEPTEMBER 26:
PRISHTINA: Different sources of information from
Vushtrria, Mitrovica, Gllogoc and Skënderaj confirm that at least
68 Albanians were killed during the recent attacks of the Serbian police
and military forces.
VUSHTRRI: According to the activists of the Sub-CDHRF
in Vushtrria, on overrunning the village of Galica, Serbian police, military
and paramilitary forces executed 15 Albanians (14 men and a woman). Many
others were arrested. The following were killed: Shasivar Isa Ademi (51)
and his son Fatmir (17), Burim Ramadan Ademi (17), Gani Fazli Ademi (16),
Bekim Miftar Halimi (22), Nazmi Veli Halili (25), Hetem Riza Halili (45)
and his son Bujar (16), Nexhat Kadri Halili (17), Bajram Bejtullah Sahiti
(33), Agim Selim Ademi (28), Haradin Islam Lahu (44) and Hasime Mursel
Shabani (48) from Galica; Enver Kastrati from Polluzha and Sejdi Kabashi
from Polac. The last 2 were visiting their relatives in Galica. Today,
the killed were buried in Galica. It is supposed that many were killed
in Beqiq. In Galica, Serb forces arrested Sejdi (67) and Avdi Xhemajl Lahu
(62), Ismet Beqir Lahu (48), Abedin Islam Lahu (41), Mujë Zukë
Shabani (48), Fazli Ademi (40) and Bedri Ahmet Hamiti (50). Mexhit Z. Cena
is considered missing. The villages of Beqiq and Dubovc were burned completely.
Galica was burned partially. In the village of Oshlan near Vushtrria, the
corpse of Mustafë Shaqir Shyti (53) was identified.
Since September 16, there are no information
on the whereabouts of Ukshin Abdullah Ferati (1961) from Bare. In the vicinity
of Ura e Gurit near Vushtrria, Serbian police physically ill-treated many
Albanian villagers. Agush Jashari (37) from Strovc was arrested while trying
to shelter his family.
GLLOGOC: 5 out of the 7 Albanians killed by the
Serbian forces in Fusha e Mollës near Vërboc were identified.
The following were killed: Shyqeri Hajdin Krasniqi (20) and Bashkim Avdullah
Krasniqi from Gllanasella, Behxhet Islam Karaxha and Skënder Fetah
Karaxha from Çikatova e Vjetër and Hajzer Hajdari from Obria
e Epërme. The other 2 are Hajzer Hajdari's son-in-law and an unidentified
person aged between 50 and 60. In Fusha e Mollës, Serb forces killed
Bajram Beqir Krasniqi (20). He was buried in Gllobar.
For 5 months now, there are no information on
the whereabouts of Ruzhdi Ahmet Gashi (34), his wife Shukrie (35) and their
children Besarta (7) and Besart (5). During the last 2 months, there are
no information on the whereabouts of the following 4 members of this family:
Ahmet, Valon (18), Kastriot (13) and Vlora (10).
SKËNDERAJ: On September 24, during the offensive
of the Serbian police and military forces on Skënderaj, the following
were killed: Adem Ajet Lushtaku (37) from Prekaz i Poshtëm, Xhavit
Haradin Bislimi (40), Fetije Bislim Bislimi (32), burned inside her house,
Driton Shaban Brahimi, Sefer Hoti, Enver Hoti, Fejzë Hoti and Rrustem
Hoti from Marina; Sejdi Kabashi (22), Arif Makolli and Sadri Veliqi (52)
from Polac; Arsim Shabani (24) from Kozhica, Mahmut Beqa (76) and Afrim
Smakiqi from Obria; Shyqeri Xani (37) and Milazim Sinani (76) from Dashec;
Shemsedin Haxhiu from Tërdec, Murat Muharrem Haliti (33), Enver Halit
Ferati (42), Hajrush Qamil Ahmeti (55) and Fatmir Hajrush Ahmeti (22) from
Lubavec; Daut Fazli Avdiu (56) from Klina e Epërme, Brahim Spahiu
(76) from Kastriot, Idriz Seferi (45) from Tica, Zymer Tahiri from Açareva,
Muhamet Rrahman Idrizi (53) from Beqiq (Vushtrri) and brothers Feriz and
Agim Rrustem Shala from Ujmir (Klina).
MITROVICA: In Vaganica e Epërme, the corpse
of Bahri Smajl Veseli (40) from Broboniq near Mitrovica was identified.
In Frashëri i Vogël, a Serb opened fire on Rifat Osman Pllana
(30). In Fusha e Mollës near Vërboc (Gllogoc), Serb forces arrested
Jashar Metë Ahmeti (37) and Emin Nuhë Rama (16). They were physically
ill-treated at the police station in Mitrovica. At the check-point in Shipol,
police arrested Rrustem Hasan Kadriu (55) from Likoc near Skënderaj
and several Albanian youngsters.
KLINA: On the border with Albania, Serb forces
killed Xhemil Halil Agushi (1981) from the village of Drenoc. Local Serbs
were settled in the flats of Ibish Thaçi, Asllan and Ismet Rraci
and Bajram Gashi.
PRIZREN: The villagers of Gjonaj, Krajk, Zym
and Mazrek were given an ultimatum to hand in their weapons.
PODUJEVA: In search of Ajet Zejnullahu, police
raided the house of Rrahman Zejnullahu (1932). Rrahman was beaten and arrested.
The very same happened to the following members of his family: Skënder
(22), Sedat (22), Faruk (20) and Xhevat (17).
SEPTEMBER 27:
GLLOGOC: The corpses of the following Albanians,
who were killed during the recent offensive of the Serbian police and military
forces on the district of Gllogoc, were identified: Behram Halil Morina
(40) from Gllobar; Rrustem Fetah Karaxha from Çikatova e Vjetër,
(his corpse was thrown in a well); Muhamet Krasniqi, Miftar Shaban Kurrumeli
(54), Xhevat Sheqir Berisha (60), Hamit Lladrovci (73), Fehmi Lladrovci
(48), Xhevahire Krasniqi-Lladrovci (48) and Hafize Jetullah Llugani (60),
mentally ill, all from Gllanasella; Brahim Ajet Avdulli (53), (his face
was cut with a knife), Hajdar Ismajli (90) and Hamit Zymberi (85) from
Likoshan-killed in Çiçavica; Selim Miftari (80), killed due
to the shelling of his house in Likoshan; Sefer Tafaleci (63) from Vërboc,
stabbed with a knife, Mehmet Azem Saliuku (23) from Obria e Epërme,
and dr. Lec Bislim Uka (42), a physician from Gradica. 8 corpses are still
unidentified.
Due to shelling, Sadik Asllan Krasniqi (80) from
Negroc was killed. The following were wounded: Bislim Kluna (70), Naim
Kluna and Bislim Bucolli (17) from Poklek i Poshtëm, Ramadan Elshani
(58) from Krajkova and Sefedin Rexhepi (21) from Zabel i Epërm.
MITROVICA: The corpses of Ramadan Sefer Behrami
(55) and Musë Selman Begolli (32) were found in Kaçanoll. The
2 were killed during the Serb attack on Shala e Bajgorës.
KAÇANIK: Police brought the corpse of
Kujtim Krelani (1954) from Gjakova to the local policlinic in Kaçanik.
SUHAREKA: During the last 2 days, Serbian police
and military forces shelled with heavy weaponry the villages of Budakova,
Krushica, Papaz, Buzhala, Maqiteva and Stravaqina. The villagers fled and
were sheltered in Vraniq. On overrunning the villages of Dubrava, Savrova,
Reçan and Bukosh, Serb infantry is burning the Albanian houses.
Military forces stationed in Biraq are firing "Kaqusha" missiles. The carbonized
corpse of Sylejman Rrustem Kafexholli (70) was found in Bellanica. The
latter was a mentally disturbed person and had been reported as kidnapped
by the Serbian forces.
FERIZAJ: Since early in the morning, Serb forces
restarted the shelling of Jezerc and Nerodima e Epërme. These villages
are on fire. Large police and military forces were stationed in the vicinity
of the Balaj bridge on the road to Nerodima. Later on, these forces continued
towards Pleshina, Zaskok and Nerodima.
The inhabitants of Manastirc and Nerodima fled
from their villages and were sheltered in Ferizaj. In Dremjak, police arrested
Bafti and Nuhi Mujota from Mollopolc near Shtime. The following were arrested
in Gaçka: Muharrem Bekteshi (1946), Muhamet Sadiku (1948), and Hamdi
Neziri (1968). In Ferizaj, police raided the house of Ali Shabani. Police
looted and demolished a shop owned by him. Police seized the "Mercedes"
owned by Frashër Shabani. Police raided the house of Hamëz Shabani.
Ali, Hysen, Frashër and Xhemajl Shabani were arrested. The latter
was beaten in the presence of his family members. 20 policemen surrounded
and raided the house of Gani Reshani. A TV crew of the ANN News Agency
was prevented from going to the affected areas in the district of Ferizaj.
The journalists were taken to the Security Center in Ferizaj.
DELAYED INFORMATION:
PRIZREN: On September 7-8, the Serbian run District
Court in Prizren initiated the investigative proceedings against the following
Albanians from the district of Rahovec: Behar Gani Ahmeti (1960), Xhabir
Mehmet Mustafa (1950) and Daut Salihu (1959) from Potoçan i Poshtëm;
Shyqeri Sali Morina (1959), Qazim Daut Morina (1954), Reshit Shefket Morina
(1960) and Sylë Pajazit Morina (1974) from Vranjaka; Hajredin Etem
Zymberaj and Ylber Hajriz Zyberaj from Drenoc; Ahmet Xhevat Kastrati (1978)
and Amrush Zenun Hoti (1972) from Malësia e Vogël; Xhemë
Ramadan Berisha (1954) from Kramovik; and Mujë Jetullah Morina (1975)
from Bratotin. On September 18, Zeqir Muharrem Berisha (1957), a teacher
with the "Rilindja" Primary School in Çifllak, was arrested. He
was sent to 30 days of pre-trial detention. On September 16, the very same
court initiated the investigative proceedings against Isuf Reshit Berisha
(1968) from Drenoc, Zeqir Muharrem Berisha (1957) from Kramovik (Rahovec)
and Lulzim Eqrem Gashi (1963) from Suhareka. They were accused for "hostile
activity" and "terrorism" and were sent to pre-trial detention.
PEJA: On September 8, 9 and 10, Serb paramilitaries
looted and burned the houses of the following Albanians in Kosuriq: Shefqet
Ahmet Panxhaj, Rasim Sadik Panxhaj, Haxhi Isuf Panxhaj, Xheladin and Beqë
Demush Panxhaj, Imer Selman Kelmendi, Rrahman Zenel Rrahmani, Sadri Bajram
Kelmendi, Dinë Ibish Panxhaj, Gani Xhemë Gërgoci, and Ibër
and Ibish Dinë Gërgoci. On September 19, Fadil Smajl Bezeraj
from Raushiq and Bajram Uka from Baran near Peja were arrested.
PLAVA: 250 Albanian villagers from the district
of Deçan had been sheltered in Hajla. On September 13, Montenegrin
police separated men from women. 6 of them were severely ill-treated. Agron
Dervish Nikçi (28) from Shtupeç i Madh (Deçan) was
brutally ill-treated. On September 17, at the place called Kroi i Ftoit,
police physically ill-treated Ibish Bajram Kelmendi, a driver with the
"Elkos" enterprise.
KLINA: On September 15, Zehra (11) and Afërdita
Xhemajl Dragidella (6) from Gremnik were wounded by the police. Their family
was returning from the village of Kosuriq, in which they had sought shelter.
In Pirçeva, Gazmend Miftar Gashi (1977) and Bajram Tahir Gashi (1976)
were arrested. In Potërç i Epërm, Xhemajl Zeneli (57)
and Metush Jagoda (68) were physically ill-treated by the police. Youngsters
Nexhat and Ferat Bytyçi were arrested. 15 houses were looted. In
the village of Lisica near Mitrovica, Miftar Halil Gashi (36) from Çabiq
near Klina was arrested. There are no information on the whereabouts of
Tafë Dragidella (70) and his grandson Feim Dragidella from Gremnik.
Serb forces burned the primary schools in Sferka and Volljaka. On September
16, Serbian police arrested Musli Krasniqi (75) from Klinavc. A few days
earlier, his house had been looted and burned. In Zllakuqan, a new-born-baby
from Grabanica near Klina and one from Nepola (Peja) died. The following
are in a very grave health condition: Valmir Gashi (2) from Svërka,
Faton Baca (2) from Gremnik, Filloreta Veselaj (3) from Gllareva and Egzon
Berisha (2) from Dush.
PODUJEVA: On September 17, during the offensive
of the Serbian forces on the villages of Llapi, the houses of the following
Albanians were burned in Dobratin: Ahmet, Mursel and Islam Dabinovci; Maksut,
Sabit, Hysen and Musë Rekaliu; Adem and Imer Lutfiu; Xhemshit and
Idriz Idrizi; Rrahman and Naman Xhemajli; Xhemajl Baliu, Rexhep Avdiu,
Feriz Imeri, Rrahim Rrahimi, Sokol Rexhepi, Feriz Sejdiu and Eset Hajrullahu.
Police burned a shop owned by Eset Hajrullahu and the premises of the "Mother
Theresa" Humanitarian & Charitable Association.
KAMENICA: On September 18, Astrit D. Ajvazi (16)
was threatened with a gun. On September 19, the following political activists
were arrested and physically ill-treated: Hasan Rapuca, Ramadan A. Haxhiu,
Afrim Dervishi and Shefqet Canaj from Koretin; Shpejtim Krasniqi, Zeqir
Bleriani, Banush Keka and Bajram Mehmeti from Kamenica.
FERIZAJ: On September 18-19, the houses of the
following were shelled in Nerodima e Epërme: Gëzim and Shaban
Mustafa; Fehmi, Ibrahim and Mehmet Kashtanjeva; Ibush and Imri Bajrami.
The houses of Hamdi Bajrami, Mehmet Kashtanjeva and Muhamet Kamberi were
plundered. The houses of Shefki Neziri and Salih Sejdiu were burned.
MITROVICA: On September 19, a bomb exploded in
the house of Avdullah Zenë Haliti (60) in the "Kroi i Vitakut" quarter.
LIPJAN: On September 19, Bajram Jetullah Tafa
(38) from Carraleva (Shtime) was arrested in Gaçka e Vogël.
ISTOG: Since April, there are no information
on the whereabouts of Ajshe (50), Ali (52), Shukrije (20), Besnik (18)
and Shemsije Fejza (19).
Prishtina, September 27, 1998
Information Service