House Passes Rep. Zeldin's Resolution Demanding Justice for the Bytyqi Brothers

Statement

Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved House Concurrent Resolution 45, which was introduced by Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), in a 423-1 vote calling for justice following the 1999 executions of NY-1 residents, Ylli, Agron and Mehmet Bytyqi, who resided in Hampton Bays, New York.

In July 1999, the three brothers, Ylli, 25 years old, Agron, 23 years old, and Mehmet Bytyqi, 21 years old, were 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 February 2019, Congressman Zeldin met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Munich, Germany, to discuss these murders and the lack of action by the Serbian government. The resolution also passed the House during the 116th Congress.

"Since taking office, I have been committed to helping the Bytyqi family receive the justice they have long deserved. Despite many past promises made by Serbian officials to resolve the case of this state-sponsored murder, justice still hasn't been served. This resolution notes that progress with this investigation should remain a significant factor in determining the further development of US-Serbian relations. The Bytyqi brothers gave their lives to fight injustice. Now we must return the favor and deliver justice for their family. I am grateful to my House colleagues who have supported this important measure on behalf of the Bytyqi family in overwhelming bipartisan fashion," said Congressman Zeldin.

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