Full Breakdown
Kosovo Court Convicts Three Serbs for 2023 Banjska Attack, Spotlighting Alleged Serbian Support
4/25/2026, 1:41:24 PM
Verdict on Banjska Attack
On 24 April 2026, the Pristina Basic Court sentenced Blagoje Spasojevic (33) and Vladimir Tolic (40) to life imprisonment and Dušan Maksimovic (29) to 30 years for terrorism and serious acts against Kosovo’s constitutional order. The September 2023 attack in Banjska killed police officer Afrim Bunjaku, 50, and wounded Clirim Shaqiri.
Background and Context
The September 2023 assault involved a Serbian-backed group that crossed into Kosovo, ambushed a police patrol in Banjska and sought to separate Serb-majority northern municipalities. Prosecutors say the attackers trained at Pasuljanske Livade and brought weapons, camouflage and equipment to destabilise Kosovo’s political, constitutional, economic and social structures.
Key Figures and Groups
The convicted men are Blagoje Spasojevic, Vladimir Tolic and Dušan Maksimovic. The indictment also names 44 individuals and a legal entity; 43 face terrorism charges. It includes the legal entity RAD d.o.o., owned by Radule Stevic, and Milan Radoicic, Srpska Lista deputy and alleged ringleader, charged with money-laundering and financing the terrorist group.
Data and Statistics
The indictment names 44 individuals and a legal entity; 43 face terrorism charges. Only three defendants—Blagoje Spasojevic, Vladimir Tolic and Dušan Maksimovic—stood trial, while the remaining suspects remain at large. Seized armaments comprised mines, rockets, mortar rounds, an M93 grenade launcher and 7.62×39 mm ammunition linked to Serbia’s Belom factory.
Timeline
24 Sept 2023 – the attack in Banjska, killing Afrim Bunjaku.
25 Sept 2023 – gunmen killed; others treated in Serbia.
23 Apr 2026 – trial of Spasojevic, Tolic, Maksimovic begins.
24 Apr 2026 – verdict issued.
Official Statements and Responses
Presiding judge Ngadhnjim Arrni said the operation aimed to destabilise Kosovo’s core institutions. Kosovo officials allege Serbia provided military infrastructure and logistics for the attack. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic dismissed the accusations as “nonsense.” International warrants have been issued for the remaining suspects.
Criticism and Opposition
Lawyer Arianit Koci, representing Afrim Bunjaku’s family, called the verdict “halfway justice” without the organisers. Milan Radoicic claims Serbia had no knowledge of his plans, a claim Kosovo authorities dispute. Serbia has not extradited Radoicic.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The whereabouts of the other 41 indicted individuals remain unknown, as authorities have not secured them. Kosovo cites Serbian logistical support and weapon transfers; Serbian authorities deny any involvement. The number of injured attackers treated in Serbia is unconfirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
"The aim was to destabilise and destroy the basic political, constitutional, economic, and social structures of the Republic of Kosovo, through a well-organised plan." — Ngadhnjim Arrni, Presiding Judge, Pristina Basic Court
"the biggest mistake of my life." — Blagoje Spasojevic, Convicted participant
"I couldn’t have imagined such a tragedy would occur." — Vladimir Tolic, Convicted participant
"I did not want to be part of any violence." — Vladimir Tolic, Convicted participant
"Serbia had no knowledge of my plans." — Milan Radoicic, Alleged ringleader
What's Next
Kosovo will continue to pursue the remaining suspects through international arrest warrants and will monitor compliance with the court’s rulings. The ruling also reaffirms Kosovo’s legal framework for prosecuting terrorism.
