The U.S.: Outstanding Bytyqi Case Illustrates Urgent Need for Serbia to Focus on Rule of Law

State Department (Flickr.com/ Photo by: U.S. Department of State (IIP Bureau)

The U.S. has again urged the Serbian authorities on July 8 to conduct a full investigation into the murder of three U.S. citizens, Yili, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi, emphasizing that “this case, and numerous others, illustrate the urgent need for Serbia to resolve outstanding war crimes investigations and focus on strengthening the rule of law.”

“Twenty-two years have passed since three Americans, Yili, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi, disappeared while in the custody of Serbian special police.  Their bodies were later discovered on a base in Petrovo Selo in eastern Serbia, under the control of a unit led by Goran Radosavljevic – Guri, the U.S. embassy announced on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the brothers Bytyqi murder.

According to the announcement, the Bytyqi brothers were executed, shot in the head with their hands tied behind their backs, yet after more than two decades there has not been a full investigation. “ We cannot and will not forget this crime,” the announcement added. 

"The United States government again calls on Serbian authorities, who have promised to assist in this case for years, for a full investigation. This case, and many others, illustrate the urgent need for Serbia to resolve outstanding war crimes investigations and focus on strengthening the rule of law,” the announcement also said.

Yili, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi were U.S. citizens who entered Serbia in 1999 to join the Kosovo Liberation Army and fight against Serbian security forces.