April 7, 2023
The decision of the Supreme Court on the release of Naser Pajazitaj, accused of murdering Donjeta Pajazitaj in November 2015, has created great concern and uncertainty in public opinion. The case has been handled at all judicial levels in Kosovo and diametrically opposite decisions have been made at different levels. The trial against Naser Pajazitaj was held four times in first instance courts, twice by the Basic Court in Peja and twice by the Basic Court in Ferizaj. In March 2018, the Basic Court in Peja acquitted the accused Naser Pajazitaj of the charges for the murder of Donjeta Pajazitaj, while after returning to the retrial, the Basic Court in Peja, in March 2019, found the accused guilty and had sentenced to life imprisonment. In June 2022, the Basic Court in Ferizaj sentenced the accused Pajazitaj to life imprisonment, while the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence to 35 years in prison. From innocent to life imprisonment. From 35 years of imprisonment – to freedom. This series of decisions clearly illustrates the failure of the justice system in Kosovo. Donjeta is a victim of femicide and there is still no justice for her. Her killer is at large. We demand that the justice institutions account for the failures in handling this case and we demand justice for Donjeta! This reaction has been supported by feminist activists and the following organizations: Center for Information, Criticism and Action – QIKA Network of Women’s Groups of Kosovo – RRGK Kosovo Center for Gender Studies – KKSGJ Initiative for Justice and Equality – INJECT Youth Initiative for Human Rights Kosovo – YIHR KS Artpolis Center for Information and Social Improvement – QIPS Center for Equality and Freedom – CEL Kosova Support Groups Kosova – SGK
