The intensive training was structured into pre-arranged sessions as outlined in the training curriculum and methodology. On the first day of the training, Mr. Mensur Hoti, Director of the Department for Public Safety in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, gave an opening address on the objectives of the Strategy and Action Plan. Mr. Luan Keka, Director of the Kosovo Police Unit on Anti-terrorism, led a training session on the rise of far-right movements in Europe and terrorist organizations in Kosovo, which included a detailed explanation of the AKEA Case presented by Mr. Nexdet Haxhaj, Kosovo Police Investigator on Unit of Anti-terrorism.
During the second day of the training, two sessions were held discussing national and international investigations of terrorism cases and the role of the prosecutor’s office in addressing them. Mr. Keka and Mr. Haxhaj spoke about risk factors and terrorist threats in Kosovo. They also introduced case models such as the Case of Israel and the Plan of terrorist attacks in North Kosovo (Banjska). The participants were then divided into groups for practical work, and Ms. Fikrije Fejzullahu, Prosecutor in the Special Prosecutor’s Office presented the Prosecution’s role in addressing terrorism and violent extremism cases, including the usage of drones for investigative purposes and supporting the indictments in court.
Labinot Leposhtica, Legal Office and Monitoring Coordinator at BIRN Kosovo, and Arsim Tahiri, Director of Kosovo Probation Service gave presentations on the justice system during the training’s third day. They discussed the lack of communication between courts and the Kosovo Probation Service about final reporting. The speakers highlighted the importance of addressing the post-conditional release of individuals and how dossiers are prepared. Mr. Tahiri focused on the pre-punishment report, which is an official document containing information and evidence gathered from various bodies to help in finding a sentence or an adequate alternative punishment.
During the final day of the training session, the focus was on strategic communication, specifically exploring the communication tactics of terrorist groups. Kreshnik Gashi -Managing Editor at Kallxo.com highlighted that these groups employ concrete methodologies, plans, and strategies that vary depending on the situation and location. Through case studies, it was observed that these organizations have different approaches to communication: utilizing the internet to a greater extent and causing a stir among global media. Furthermore, various techniques of media usage were presented such as live streaming, sending materials to media, spreading narratives of disinformation, and community intimidation.
This training was attended by 26 participants of whom 14 were women. The participants have actively engaged in this training by sharing experiences and asking questions on how to effectively deal with terrorism and violent extremism.
The training was part of the ‘Resilient Community Programme’ funded by GCERF.