“War criminals with impunity brutally executed the Batic brothers during the Kosovo war. Now, more than two decades later, their families in Suffolk County still have not received justice,” Lalotta said.
represent.Nick Lalotta (NY-01) Yes A resolution was introduced to hold accountable the individuals responsible for the brutal execution of Ylli, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi of Hampton Bays during the Kosovo War in 1999.
Lalotta also held a press conference with members of the Bytyqi family in the Hampton Bays, which can be viewed at here.
“War criminals with impunity brutally executed the Batic brothers during the Kosovo war. Now, more than two decades later, their families in Suffolk County still have not seen justice.” Lalotta says. “Today, I call on the Biden Administration and the Senate to join me in justice for the Bytyqi family. This resolution passed the House overwhelmingly in the last Congress, and I hope my colleagues support it again. Enough is enough for this family suffering, let us give them the ending they deserve.”
Read the full text of H.Con.Res. 38. click here.
background:
In July 1999, three brothers, Ylli, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi, of Hampton Bays residents, were arrested when they accidentally entered Serbian-controlled territory while traveling abroad towards the end of the Kosovo war . The brothers were arrested by Serbian authorities for illegal entry and brutally executed on 8 July 1999. While Serbian authorities have launched an investigation into the brothers’ deaths, no charges have been filed against those responsible for the murders.
December 2018the US Department of State sanctioned Serb Goran Radosavljevic under Section 7031(c) for his involvement in serious human rights violations, including the murder of the Bytyqi brothers.
La Lota’s resolution expresses Congress’ view:
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Those responsible for the murder of US citizens Ylli, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi in Serbia in July 1999 should be brought to justice; -
It is reprehensible that no one has been found guilty of the execution of the Bytyqi brothers or any other crime connected with their death, and no one has even been charged with these horrific crimes; -
The Government of Serbia and its relevant ministries and offices, including the Serbian War Crimes Prosecutor’s Office, should make it a priority to promptly investigate and prosecute current or former officials believed to be directly or indirectly responsible for their deaths; -
The United States should devote sufficient resources, fully assist and properly monitor the efforts of the Government of Serbia and its relevant ministries and offices to promptly investigate and prosecute those individuals believed to be directly or indirectly responsible for their deaths; and -
Progress, or lack thereof, in resolving this case should remain an important factor in determining the further development of relations between the United States and the Republic of Serbia.
