REPORT NO. 438
         ON THE WIDESPREAD REPRESSION
         AND HARASSMENT PERPETRATED
           BY THE SERBIAN POLICE AND
           OTHER AUTHORITIES IN KOSOVA
           FROM  SEPTEMBER 27
           UNTIL  SEPTEMBER 30, 1998

REPORT NO. 438
ON THE WIDESPREAD REPRESSION AND HARASSMENT PERPETRATED BY
THE SERBIAN POLICE AND  OTHER AUTHORITIES IN KOSOVA
FROM SEPTEMBER 27 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30 1998
 
SEPTEMBER 27:
 
GLLOGOC: As the Serb forces withdrew from Abria e Epërme, the associates of the CDHRF did some field research and discovered the crimes perpetrated over the Deliu family. In the vicinity of the Deliu quarter, the mutilated corpses of the following were found: Adem Sali Deliu (33), Hava Imer Deliu (65), Jeton Imer Deliu (10), Hamide Sali Deliu (60), Valmir Adem Deliu (18 months), Luljeta Imer Deliu (25), pregnant, Lumnije Imer Deliu (30) and Mihane Imer Deliu (25). In the very same quarter, in the house of Hajzer Deliu, the mutilated corpses of the following were found: Donjeta Hajriz Deliu (4), Gentiana Hajriz Deliu (7), Zahide Hajriz Deliu (27), Fazli Deliu (90), burned in his house, Ali Deli Deliu (63), slaughtered, Pajazit Rrustem Deliu (65) and Zeqir Jonuz Deliu (44). The 6 week-old-baby of Diturie Imer Deliu was found alive under the corpse of her mother. There are no information on the whereabouts of Hysen Deliu (53), Maliqe Deliu (80) and Hajriz Deliu (35).
The corpses of the following were found in Krajkova: Fitim Sadri Elshani (22), Vehbi Ejup Hoxha (48), Sabit Metë Buzllaku (62), Faik Aziz Braiqi (16), Fahredin Fejzë Braiqi (22), Fejzë Brahim Braiqi (45) and Afrim Ramadan Braiqi (30). Ramadan Sherif Elshani (19), Naser Imer Shala (1), Izete Shala (50), Lendita Ramadan Podrimçaku (21) and Besnik Aziz Braiqi were wounded. Abedin Fejzë Braiqi (22) was kidnapped. 300 Albanian civilians from the villages of Drenica are being kept in detention in the premises of the primary school in Krajkova. During the attack of the Serbian forces on Poklek i Vjetër, Shefkije Ferizi (1967) and Berat Ferizi (1981) were wounded. In Vërboc, Serbian forces arrested Zymer Hamdi Gashi, Xhafer Hysen Gllareva, Hasan Hamdi Istogu and Nasuf Bylykbashi from Tërstenik.
VUSHTRRI: During the Serb offensive on the villages of Dubovc, Galica and Beqiq, Mexhit H. Bislimi (40) and Dibran Sh. Selimi (20) from Prekaz i Epërm were killed; Muhamet Xhemajli (70) from Abria was killed in Kozhica; Muharrem Misin Ukaj, Kadri M. Mustafa (25) and Sokol F. Rama (80) were killed in Prekaz i Epërm; Xhevdet Emini from Prekaz i Epërm was killed in Lubavec; Jetish Avdiu was killed in Mikushnica; Hateme Mehaj (70) and ? Gecaj (45) from Llausha were killed in Prekaz i Poshtëm.
During the Serb offensive on the villages of Vushtrria, the following were arrested in Dubovc: Shaqir and Shemsi Sefedin Shaqiri as well as Hazir R. Shaqiri from Brusnik (released); Smajl Ferat Shabani (1954) from Galica; Skender Mursel Sadiku (1954) and Hajzer Zenel Sadiku (1966) from Dubovc; Gani (1949) and Haki Nezir Manxholli (1953) from Mikushnica (Skënderaj); Haxhi Dervishi (50) from Kastriot (Skënderaj); Haki Shatri (20), Xhafer M. Shatri (20), Skënder Shatri (30) and Deli R. Shatri (60) from Llausha; Sinan Haziri (20), Brahim Syla (55), Sefedin S. Syla (1961), Nexhdet Raif Ahmeti (1968), Shaban H. Demiri (1963), Gani R. Rexha (45), Miftar Rr. Sahiti (1963), Behxhet A. Arifi (1979) and Riza Ibrahimi from Lubovec (the latter was released); Destan (21), Miftar (1952) and Zenë Meha (40) from Prekaz i Poshtëm; Ramadan Xh. Bislimi (24) from Prekaz i Epërm and Ajet A. Kuçica (27) from Kërrnica (Klina).
SKËNDERAJ: 10 Albanians were buried in the village of Gollubovc and 7 in Plloçica. 3 corpses were left unburied in Kroi i Vuçakut and 2 in the Vuçaku mountains. In Vuçak, Serbian police looted money from the women who were displaced from their houses. During the Serb offensive on the villages of Drenica and Shala e Bajgorës, Shqipdon Xhevdet Shabani, a new-born-baby from Dobrashec, died due to the cold.
MITROVICA: In the "Tavnik" quarter, Serbian police severely ill-treated Hazir Isuf Koci (25) from Polac, a student in Prishtina; Naim Nezir Miftari (35) from Vitak, a teacher in Runik; and Avni Habib Ahmeti (25) from Klina e Poshtme (Skënderaj). According to Smajl Zekë Tahiri (60) and Vesel Hajdin Veseli (58) from Likoc and Halim Shyqeri Aliu (56) from Rezalla near Skënderaj, 70 Albanians are detained in the Security Center in Mitrovica. While in detention, they were severely ill-treated and could hear the cries of the other detainees who were being tortured by the police.
PRIZREN: A Serb convoy paraded through the streets of the town and provoked Albanian passers-by singing chetnik songs and pointing their guns towards them.
PEJA: The following were arrested and taken to the Peja prison: Isa (37) and Kujtim Krasniqi from Baran, Sadik Dervish Rexhaj (48) from Jabllanica near Gjakova, Hasan Beqir Mulaj (42) from Llozhan near (Peja), Misin Bali Balaj (45) from Isniq, Hysni Xheladin Dautaj from Carrabreg near Deçan and Ibër Dinë Gërgoci (57) from Kosuriq near Peja.
They were indicted for "hostile activity and terrorism". Market inspectors closed shops owned by Albanians and seized large amounts of goods (flour, oil and sugar).
FERIZAJ: Serbian police raided the house of Gani Reshani and searched for his son Adil. Not finding him they arrested his wife and seized his BMW. Police ill-treated Sabrije (70) and Ismet Reshani (32). Police raided the houses of Osman and Hajriz Muhaxheri as well as that of Zejnë Muhaxheri. Sefer and Arsim Muhadini were arrested. The houses of the following were raided in the village of Balaj: Mustafë, Beqir, Ibrahim and Afrim Salihu, Sherif Aliu, Ilaz Sadiku and Ramadan Sahiti. Murtez and Bekim Kamberi and Rrahman Ramusolli from Nerodimja e Poshtme were arrested in Ferizaj. The houses of Ahmet, Avdullah, Jakup, Ismail, Bafti, Sami, Nebih, Veli, Qerim and Elez Kashtanjeva.
 
SEPTEMBER 28:
 
SUHAREKA: More than 15.000 Albanians, who had sought shelter in the mountains of Vraniq, and 2000, who were settled in Buzhala and Budakova, are on the verge of a humanitarian disaster. The situation is deteriorating due to the bad weather and the cold. Serbian forces attacked the villages of Reçan, Savrova, Sopija, Papaz, Maqiteva and Buzhala. Some 70% of the houses in Reçan were burned. In Savrova, a group of 13 men were separated from the other displaced persons. They were taken towards Prizren. The following were arrested: Zenel, Hazir, Beqir and Florim Zeneli; Ramadan, Sedat and Nexhat Kokallari; Jetullah, Hajrullah and Sahit Krasniqi with his son and Halit Qysa. The village of Mushtisht is shelled. Large police and military forces were stationed in Dubrava. 600 Albanian civilians, who had sought shelter between the villages of Budakova, Buzhala and Vraniq, are under the threat of a possible Serb attack. More than 20 tanks from the village of Maqiteva are heading towards them. In Ahishta, police arrested 23 members of Sokol Ahmeti's family, a guest of theirs and the 4 member family of Jakup Krasniqi from Maqiteva.
SKËNDERAJ: Shooting continued in the villages near Likoc. Serb forces shelled Abria e Epërme.
PODUJEVA: As there were rumors that the Serb forces were to attack, many Albanians from the villages of Kërpimeh, Revuqa, Dobratin, Bradash and Zakut fled their houses.
PRIZREN: In the afternoon, a truck with some 100 Albanians drove through the center of the town. The above mentioned were detained in the villages of Suhareka, handcuffed and stripped from the waist upwards. During the last 3 days, there were fierce clashes in this region. The road between Prizren and Suhareka was blocked by the Serbian forces. The Albanian villagers who managed to flee and who found shelter in Prizren, say that the situation in the villages of Suhareka is very grave.
FERIZAJ: Since the early hours of the morning, Serbian forces shelled the villages of Nerodima e Poshtme, Nerodima e Epërme, Pleshina and Kashtanjeva. Many houses were burned. 70% of the villagers, mainly women, children and elderly were displaced and sought shelter around the nearby brooks. Due to shelling, 14 Albanian families with 160 members fled from Burrnik. In Gaçka, Nuhi, Fatmir, Besim and Brahim Neziri were arrested and physically ill-treated.
SHTËRPCA: Serbian police and military forces surrounded the village of Bitija e Epërme. Many houses were raided, men were arrested and ill-treated. The following were arrested and taken to the police station in Shtërpce: Liman and Xhavit Hyseni, Heset Kaçiku, Jakup and Fadil Asllani, Naim Murati, Nysret, Miftar, Ismail, Ilmi and Haki Bakiu, Rexhep, Mehmet, Agim and Agron Bislimi, Imri Zenuni, Afrim Ahmeti, Fakir and Avni Hamiti, Fadil Jakupi, Bedri Izeti (a guest from Gremja near Ferizaj), etc. During the raids, Zenun and Mejdi Zenuni, Jakup Asllani, Maxhun Sokoli and Liman Hyseni were physically ill-treated. Later on, Liman and Xhavit Hyseni were released. Due to injuries suffered they had to seek for medical help. In Viçaj, police raided the houses of Agim and Besim Tahiri, Ekrem Halili and Bujar Muharremi. They were physically ill-treated. Daut Avdullah Rexhepi, a teacher, was arrested. Many villagers fled their houses. In Kashtanjeva, the houses of the following were burned: Xheladin, Rifat, Shabi, Hysni and Izet Rexhepi; Xhemajl, Ali and Sali Aliu; Shaban Shabani, Fadil, Sedat, Zeqir and Musli Murseli; Ismet Limani, Bajram, Zenel and Ibrahim Ibrahimi. Many families were left in the open.
OBILIQ: On shelling the villages of Çiçavica, Serbian police and military forces looted 267 tractors and 112 cars. At the police check-point in Nedakoc, Abdyl Mjekiqi (60) from Hadja was arrested and physically ill-treated by the police. He was detained for more than 30 hours.
PRISHTINA: Since June 22, there are no information on the whereabouts of Arlind Skënder Boshnjaku (1975) from Prishtina, a student with the Medical and the Philological Faculty in Prishtina. The District Attorney in Prishtina, extended the pre-trial detention to Salih Zariqi (1955) and his son Shkëlzen, "Bregu i Diellit" quarter, and Albert Shala from Ujmir near Klina, for 2 months.
KAÇANIK: Shaban Mehmetali Jakupi (1975), "R. Agushi" st., was stopped and severely ill-treated by the police.
GJILAN: At the check-point in the vicinity of "Hani i Poneshit", and at those in Llabjan, Parallova and Bresalc, police is ill-treating Albanian passers-by. many are arrested.
NISH: The Military Court in Nish sentenced Gazmend Tahiraj (28) and Iber Metaj (37) from Hereç near Gjakova to 8 years of prison. They were indicted for "hostile activity".
 
SEPTEMBER 29:
 
SUHAREKA: In Mushtisht, Serbian police and military forces killed Bajram Durmish Bytyçi (1969). Bedri Milazim Halitjahaj (1982) was wounded. Zenel Morina (30) from the village of Stravuqina was killed and buried. An old man and a new-born-baby died due to the lack of food and medicine. The following were arrested: Sylejman Zyba (47) and his sons Bekim (20), Urim (18) and Arsim Zyba (23) from Bukosh; Musli Jaha (70) and his son Ali Jaha (32) from Sllapuzhan; as well as Nesim (34) and Bajram Morina (22) from Reshtan. On being brutally beaten Liman Zyba (15) was released. In Suhareka, 144 Albanians over the age of 15 were detained. After some 60 hours of detention more than half were taken to Prizren. A large number of civilians, who had sought shelter in the mountains of Buzhala, are threatened by a Serb massacre.
GLLOGOC: In Dobrashec, Serbian police and military forces killed Rifat Fejza (50), Hazir Avdyli (50) and Hasan Maloku (70). Rexhep (40) and Rasim Gjota (19); Zenel (20), Fitim (40) and Zeqir Ademi (25) were arrested. Fatmir Shishani (40), a teacher, was beaten in the presence of his family members. Brothers Mehdi (24) and Hamdi Gashi from Vërboc; as well as Zenel Ademi (19) and his 16-year-old brother from Gllogoc were taken to the Prishtina prison.
MALISHEVA: During the Serb attack on Plloçica, Dervish Cen Maloku (60), Sejdi Bali Gashi (60) and Deli Bali Gashi were killed. A large number of people fled to the mountains near Gollubovc. Those who did not leave were arrested by the Serb forces and taken to an unknown direction. In the vicinity of Llazica, the corpses of Ahmet Alush Pantina (19) from Gllareva (Klina) and Hasan Beqë Morina (22) from Drenoc (Malisheva) were found.
SHTIME: Xhemshir Ademaj (35) from Petrova was killed by a land mine. 2 Albanians were wounded. Thousands of Albanians from the attacked villages of Shtime, Shtërpca, Ferizaj and Suhareka are in the open in the mountains of Devetak. They are in a very grave situation due to the cold, lack of food and medicine.
OBILIQ: The corpse of Nehaz Salih Mjekiqi (55) was found in Shipitulla.
SHTËRPCA: Serbian forces shelled Bitia e Poshtme. 15 Albanians managed to flee the village. There are no information on those who could not leave.
FERIZAJ: The shelling of Nerodimja e Epërme, Jezerc and Balaj continues. On shelling the villages of Bitia e Poshtme and Bitia e Epërme, Serbian forces and armed Serb civilians are looting and burning the Albanian houses. The villagers have fled and have sought shelter in the mountains. Many headed towards Ferizaj. In Nerodima e Epërme, the houses of Haki, Mustafë and Rexhep Kashtanjeva as well as that Dalip Kalanica were burned. In Pleshina, Serbian police physically ill-treated Heset and Avdi Kurtaliqi, Bajram Dinolli, Sherif Cani and Jakup Hoxha. In Gaçka, the families of Sinan Rama and those of Xhemajl and Nezir Bruka had to flee their houses. They were harassed by Serb soldiers.
PEJA: Since September 3, there are no information on the whereabouts of Milazim Brahim Zekaj (22). He had been wounded the day his brother Agim B. Zekaj (20) was killed. During the Serb attack on the villages of Lugu i Baranit, the houses of the following were looted and burned: Rrok Can Berisha, Dedë, Kolë and Ndue Zenel Thaçi, Labinot Kristë Thaçi, Franë Sokol Koci, Mark Sokol Koci and Gjergj Haxhi Kolaj. Due to shelling, the houses of Franë Dedë Kabashi, Kristë Matosh Berisha, Hilë Mark Berisha and Pal Sylë Ademi were destroyed.
 
SEPTEMBER 30:
 
GLLOGOC: Serbian police and military forces shelled Abria e Poshtme. Today, the corpses of the following were identified: Haki Liman Krasniqi (1967), Shefqet Haki Krasniqi (1965), Skender Hydë Krasniqi (1970) and Ali Metë Krasniqi (1918), burned in his house, - all from Negroc, Mehdi Sylë Morina (1953) from Gjergjica near Malisheva, and Ilaz Maliq Javori (1953) from Llozinca near Malisheva; Ramadan Muleta (1954), Bashkim Tahir Muleta (27) and Besnik Rexhep Muleta (24) from Korrotica. They were first executed and then hanged. Three unidentified Albanians from Gllareva near Klina were killed. The very same happened to an unidentified Albanian, who was buried in Vuçak.
Xhevat Shaban Thaçi from Llapushnik was wounded.
During the offensive of the Serbian police, military and paramilitary forces, which began on September 26, the Albanian villagers of Çikatova e Re fled towards Tërdec. For five days, they were sheltered at the place called "Gryka e Ramadanit" and the Kozmaçi mountains in Drenica. Serbian forces arrested 300 men, mainly youngsters, and took them to the police station in Gllogoc. Later on, they were taken to the Prishtina Prison. Besim Musë Ramaj (1974), a carpenter, and Artan Elmi Ramaj (1981), a pupil from Çikatova e Re, were among those detained.
At the place called "Lugu i Vuçakut", police arrested Luan Ramadan Zarishta (1979), a pupil from Baica, Riza Halim Krasniqi (1956) and his son Ardion (1979), a pupil from Negroc. There are no information on the whereabouts of Valdet Sopi (1954), who was arrested on September 25 in Baica, nor Hajriz Nasuf Elshani from Gllobar, who was arrested on September 22 in Fusha e Mollës, and Fitim Vehbi Hajdari (1985) from Dobrashec.
SKËNDERAJ: A vehicle of the ICRC hit a mine on the road between Abria e Epërme and Likoc. Dr. Shpëtim Zeqir Robaj (41) from Prishtina was killed. Dr. Ilir Tolaj and Linda Bunjaku from Prishtina, as well as Maggie Bryson from New Zealand were wounded.
SUHAREKA: During the recent offensive on the villages of Suhareka, Serbian forces killed and mutilated Zymer Ali Buzhala (55), Murat Kurtish Kokollari (55) and Adem Imer Buzhala (58) from Budakova, as well as an unidentified person. The corpses of the killed were left unburied on the spot. We were informed that Sokol Bislim Buzhala (39) was severely wounded and that no medical assistance could be offered to him. His whereabouts are unknown. It is supposed that the number of the killed and wounded is much higher. Yet, due to the ongoing clashes, it is impossible to get through to these villages.
OBILIQ: Ajete Halim Kelmendi (1923) from Sibovc died in the Prishtina Hospital. She was severely wounded on September 23 due to shelling. Since September 23, there are no information on the whereabouts of Lumnije Mjekiqi (1970) and her children Blerta (1995) and Lindor (1990). The day the Serb offensive started, she was visiting her father Adem Uka in Gradica near Gllogoc. Police stopped the bus travelling to Prishtina and arrested the pupils of the "Hoxha Tahsini" Technical School. According to Arif Pllana (1982), a pupil from Lajthishta, they were kept at the police station for three hours and physically ill-treated. Police forced out of the bus a number of youngsters from Shipitulla, Hamidia, Sibovc and Strovc near Vushtrri. Skënder Shaip Mjekiqi from Shipitulla was detained.
MITROVICA: On September 24, during the attack of the Serbian forces on the villages of Çiçavica and Drenica, Agim Rrahim Ramadani (40) from Prekaz i Epërm (Skënderaj), living in Shipol (Mitrovica), was killed. Policeman Neshko Rashiq from Tunel i Parë beat his neighbor Smajl Adem Tahiri (60), who was on his way home. The following were detained and physically ill-treated in Mitrovica Prison: Hajriz Fazli Kajtazi (47) from Prekaz i Epërm, Hajriz Fazli Islami (63) and his son Agim (19) from Mikushnica, Azem Nebih Gashi (36) from Rezalla and Naim Mehmet Sinani (19) from Tica near Skënderaj. On being released, they reported on the torture they and other arrested Albanians suffered.
GJAKOVA: Sub-CDHRF in Gjakova confirmed that Astrit Rexhep Dervishi (36) from Batusha was killed by the Serbian forces on September 3.
FERIZAJ: The shelling of Jezerc and Bitija e Epërme continues. The Albanians have fled these villages and have taken shelter in the mountains for three days now. In Nerodime e Epërme, Serb forces continue to burn Albanian houses. In Pleshina e Epërme, Serb forces physically ill-treated Hasan Shabani. A hay-stack of his was burned.
VUSHTRRI: Serb military forces entered the villages of Stanoc i Epërm and Dumnica e Poshtme. They broke into the house yards of the Albanian families.
MALISHEVA: According to the relatives of Bajram Ali Kryeziu (1929) and Hajdin Demush Kryeziu (60) from Bubavec, since the Serb attack on July 28, there are no information on their whereabouts. PEJA: The District Attorney raised charges against 14 members of the Jetishi family from the village of Brekoc near Gjakova. The following were indicted for "hostile activity and terrorism": Fadil (34), Qerim (33), Burim (24), Valdet (28), Kastriot (26), Agim (38), Avdyl (48), Mustafa (34), Kujtim (36), Flamur (28), Valon (27), Behar (22), Zenel (34) and Adem Jetishi (45).
The very same initiated investigative proceedings against Rrustem Qerreti (20) from Krelan (Gjakova); Shaban Rrustem Hadërgjonaj (56) from Pobërgja (Deçan); Zeqir Rrustem Berisha (57), Shaban Zeqir Berisha (26), Beqir Muharrem Berisha (25), Isa Muharrem Berisha (26) - all from Dubovik (Deçan); Haki Zeqë Dinaj (50) and Idriz Zutaj from Raushiq (Peja); Avdyl Ibrahim Lataj (56) from Carrabreg, Çemsad Shehaja (36) from Prejlep and Hajdar Pepaj (40) from Kodrali (Deçan). The above mentioned were indicted for "hostile activity" and "terrorism".
104 detainees from the Peja Prison were deported to other prisons in Serbia. During the shelling of the villages in Lugu i Baranit, the houses of Çelë and Isë Shabani, Jakup Riza and Sali Z. Gashi were destroyed.
GJILAN: Xhevat Nevzati (1947), member of the Board of the "Mother Theresa" Humanitarian & Charitable Association, Ruzhdi Rashiti (1955), a technologist, and Hetem Arifi, a teacher -activists with "Mother Theresa" Charitable & Humanitarian Association, were arrested by the Serbian police. Investigative proceedings were initiated against Avdullah Tahiri, Ahmet Demiri, Ejup Salihu, Besnik Ismajli, Lulzim Osmani and Abaz Beqiri, charged for "hostile activity" and "terrorism".
PRIZREN: A Serb policeman intervened in the premises of "Motrat Qiriazi" Primary School. Fadil Abdylaga, a worker, was threatened and ordered to empty the school as the police were going to intervene in the "Kurila" quarter. Investigative proceedings were initiated against brothers Avdi (22) and Muhamet Thaçi (34) from Retia near Rahovec.
SHTIME: In order to obstruct the work of the foreign observers, Serbian police fabricated shooting from fire weapons.
PRISHTINA: On August 25, Hamdi Murat Hyseni (1956) from Prapashtica was arrested by the Serbian forces. Ever-since there are no information on his whereabouts.
 
DELAYED INFORMATION:
 
MITROVICA: On September 21, Ilmi Uka, Hafiz Halili and Mevlud Arifi, members of the Independent Trade Union of the former police workers, were stopped and brutally beaten by the police.
GJILAN: On September 23, Naim Behluli (1968), vice-chairman of the LDK Youth Forum branch in Gjilan, "Ramiz Sadiku" st. III/26, was taken for informative talks to the premises of the local Security Center.
PRISHTINA: On September 24, Ibër Gërgoci from Kosuriq near Peja was arrested by the Serbian police. On September 26, Vehbi Ajvazi was evicted from his flat in the "Kodra e Diellit" quarter. A Serb policeman was settled in it.
PEJA: On September 24, Ramiz Rexhep Gashi (34), a farmer, living in "Leningradi" st. 5, was brutally beaten by the police.
OBILIQ: On September 25, Serbian police looted and burned the house of Kadrije Sogojeva (1968).
PRIZREN: On September 26, police seized Afit Birdaini's truck. Birdaini, owner of the "Sesco" private enterprise, was told that his truck was taken for the needs of the state.
 
Prishtina, September 30, 1998
Information Service