First in absentia war crimes trial opens in Kosovo

The reports said that Kosovo Serb Cedomir Aksic has been indicted for war crimes committed between January and May 1999. Prosecutors said they used every means at their disposal but failed to bring Aksic to Kosovo to stand trial.

The indictment says that Aksic was born in the Kosovo town of Stimlje but is currently living in Serbia. The indictment was filed by the Special Prosecution on May 4.

The trial is underway in the Special Section of the Basic Court in Pristina where the initial hearing was held. In absentia trials for war crimes are allowed under the Kosovo law on criminal proceedings.