Defense Nears Close in Pantic, Zaric War Crimes Trial
Defense attorneys say the trial of Momir Pantic and Zarko Zaric is approaching its conclusion, with judgment to follow December hearings.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Crime — General
The court rejected Momir Pantic's request for Natasa Kandic to testify and approved witnesses proposed by the defense, with the trial continuing November 26 and 27. Pantic and Zaric are charged with jointly committing a war crime against the civilian population.
Why it matters
The judgment expected after the remaining December hearings would bring the case to a close, resolving charges that have kept both men in detention since their 2023 arrests. The outcome will determine how the proceedings concluded for a case that has been held in custody since 2023.
Pantic and Zaric remain in detention following their August 2023 arrests, with the Kosovo Supreme Court having rejected their April 2026 requests for protection of legality. Closing arguments will probably begin after the four scheduled November and December hearings, though the verdict has not been set.
The players
Momir Pantic
Defendant charged with jointly committing a war crime against the civilian population, who is actively participating in his own defense.
Zarko Zaric
Co-defendant charged alongside Pantic with jointly committing a war crime against the civilian population.
Natasa Kandic
Human rights advocate whose court-requested testimony at the main trial was rejected at Pantic's request.
Kosovo Specialist Prosecution Office
The prosecuting body that filed the indictment against Pantic and Zaric on September 1, 2024.
The details
Pantic was arrested at the Merdare crossing and Zaric in the village of Ljubozda near Istok in August 2023, and the Kosovo Specialist Prosecution Office filed the indictment on September 1, 2024. Pantic has taken an active role in his own defense, proposing three witnesses.
Timeline
August 2023: Pantic and Zaric are arrested.
September 1, 2024: Indictment filed by the Kosovo Specialist Prosecution Office.
April 2026: Kosovo Supreme Court rejects requests for protection of legality.
November 26 and 27, 2026: Trial continues with scheduled hearings.
December 2026: Remaining witnesses heard, with judgment to follow.
Legal Context
The Pantic and Zaric case parallels the lengthy proceedings against Slobodan Milosevic and Vojislav Seselj at The Hague, which set the pattern for prosecuting Balkan conflict-era crimes. Its handling by a Kosovo-based court shows how such prosecutions have moved closer to the region where the offenses occurred.
The verdict will determine whether Pantic and Zaric are convicted, ending the detention both have endured since 2023. Observers following war crimes accountability in the region will have a concrete outcome to track once judgment is delivered.
The takeaway
Lengthy war crimes trials can take years from arrest to judgment, and the defendants' own participation in their defense shapes how long proceedings run. Following the December hearings offers a clear point to watch for the verdict.
What happens next
Trial hearings continue on November 26 and 27, with the remaining witnesses heard in December and judgment to follow.
Further reading
Explore more in Crime — General for broader context on war crimes prosecutions and legal proceedings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kosovo Online.
