Member of K. Mitrovica municipal assembly shot dead

Source: B92, Beta, Tanjug

KOSOVSKA MITROVICA -- A Kosovska Mitrovica municipal assembly member was shot and killed half an hour after midnight on Thursday, reports have said.

The victim, Dimitrije Janićijević, was gunned down by an unknown perpetrator in front of his house in northern Kosovska Mitrovica, after he stepped out of his car.
The motive for the murder is for now unknown, and the police, who blocked this part of the town, are expected to make a statement giving more details during the day.

The 35-year-old's body has been transferred to Priština for a post mortem.

Janićijević was a candidate in mayoral elections last year in northern Kosovska Mitrovica, on the Independent Liberal Party (SLS) ticket.

The Beta news agency is reporting that he was previously the target of attacks several times, including incidents when explosive devices were placed under his car.

Janićijević owned a store, and was the father of three children.

Tensions have been running high in Kosovska Mitrovica after elected Mayor Krstimir Pantić refused to take the oath of office last week.

Immediately before local elections last fall, there were several incidents there when councilors from various tickets came under attack, for which, reports said, Serbs blamed one another,as well as explosions of planted bombs.