Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01) has introduced a resolution to hold accountable the individuals who brutally executed Hampton Bays’ Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi during the 1999 Kosovo War.
LaLota also held a press conference with members of the Bytyqi family in Hampton Bays, which can be viewed HERE.
“Unpunished war criminals brutally executed the Bytyqi brothers during the Kosovo War. Now, over twenty years later, their family in Suffolk County still has yet to see justice,” said LaLota. “Today, I am calling on the Biden Administration and the Senate to join me and deliver justice for the Bytyqi family. This resolution overwhelmingly passed the House last Congress and I expect my colleagues to support it once again. This family has suffered long enough, let’s deliver for them the closure they rightfully deserve.”
To read the full text of H.Con.Res. 38, click HERE.
Background:
In July 1999, the three brothers, Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi, residents of Hampton Bays, went overseas towards the end of the Kosovo War and were arrested when they accidentally crossed into Serbian-controlled territory. The brothers were arrested by Serbian authorities for illegally entering the country and were brutally executed shortly after on July 8, 1999. While Serbian authorities have investigated the deaths of the brothers, there have been no charges brought against those responsible for these murders.
In December 2018, the Department of State designated Goran Radosavljevic of Serbia under Section 7031(c) due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights, including the murder of the Bytyqi brothers.
LaLota’s resolution expresses the sense of Congress that:
- individuals responsible for the murders in July 1999 of United States citizens Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi in Serbia should be brought to justice;
- it is reprehensible that no individual has ever been found guilty for executing the Bytyqi brothers, or of any other crimes associated with their deaths, and that no individual is even facing charges for these horrible 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 investigate and prosecute as soon as possible those current or former officials believed to be responsible for their deaths, directly or indirectly;
- the United States should devote sufficient resources to fully assist and properly monitor efforts by the Government of Serbia and its relevant ministries and offices to investigate and prosecute as soon as possible those individuals believed to be responsible for their deaths, directly or indirectly; and
- progress in resolving this case, or the lack thereof, should remain a significant factor determining the further development of relations between the United States and the Republic of Serbia.
