22 June 2012

A mixed panel of two EULEX judges and three local judges presided over by a EULEX judge at the Supreme Court modified the charges against S.A. and E.J. after the defense counsel and prosecutor appealed the first instance verdict.

The appeal panel modified the verdict of the District Court of Prishtine/Pristina in regards to the legal qualification of the criminal offences and the sentencing, but confirmed the factual description of the District Court judgment. The panel also terminated house arrest for both defendants.

The Supreme Court sentenced S.A. with an aggregate sentence of two years and six months of imprisonment for the criminal offences of incitement to attempt murder and unauthorized ownership, control, possession or use of weapons. E.J. was given an aggregate sentence of two years and six months of imprisonment for the criminal offences of attempted murder and unauthorized ownership, control, possession or use of weapons.

S.A. was found guilty by the District Court of Prishtine/Pristina of unauthorized ownership, control, possession or use of weapons.

E.J. was found guilty of unauthorized ownership, control, possession or use of weapons, but acquitted of the attempted murder charge as it was not proven that he fired in the direction of the injured party with the intention to deprive him of his life.

The case was prosecuted by a EULEX District prosecutor.