Tag: Kosovo

BIRN Publishes Report on Combating Terrorism in Kosovo

Report says failure to oblige individuals convicted of terrorism-related offences do not attend rehabilitation programmes raises risk of them re-offending.

Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN, in Kosovo published the monitoring report, “Challenges of Rehabilitation, Reintegration & Disengagement from Terrorism in Kosovo”, presenting Kosovo’s commitment to preventing and combating terrorism.

The report highlights that many individuals convicted of terrorism-related offences do not attend rehabilitation programmes, as the law does not require them to do so.

Speakers were: Albulena Haxhiu, Minister of Justice; Mensur Hoti, director of the Department for Public Security at the Ministry of Interior,  Kreshnik Gashi, editor-in-Chief of KALLXO.com; and Labinot Leposhtica.

Gashi pointed out that although Kosovo is considered a model for rehabilitation and reintegration, the lack of a legal obligation to attend these programmes and the rise of right-wing extremism pose serious challenges.

Minister of Justice Haxhiu acknowledged that the absence of a legal framework mandating convicted individuals to participate in rehabilitation programmes is a concern, and said legal amendments are being considered to address this issue.

Mensur Hoti said the lack of mandatory rehabilitation increases the risk of re-radicalization and the return of individuals to illegal activities after their release.

The author of the analysis, Labinot Leposhtica, emphasized that only 29 convicted individuals have attended rehabilitation programmes while in correctional institutions and stressed the need for a legal basis to make participation mandatory.

“These subjects need specific treatment in order to let go the narratives based on which they committed those acts, and the penal code does not make this possible,” he added.

The 48 participants at the event included individuals from both central and local levels, experts, representatives from diplomatic missions, members of religious communities, practitioners in the field, and media representatives. Of the 48 participants, 30 were women.

The report is accessible online:

📌 Albanian: https://bit.ly/4bkDxqE

📌 Serbian: https://bit.ly/43c0yKv

📌 English: https://bit.ly/4hZF3Ru

This activity is part of the “Resilient and Inclusive Community Programme”, funded by GCERF.

BIRN Kosovo Organizes Training on Local Engagement in Countering Extremism and Terrorism

On January 24, BIRN Kosovo conducted a one-day training session for officials from the Municipality of Vushtrria. The session aimed to deepen their understanding of the State Strategy for Preventing and Countering Terrorism and strengthen local capabilities in tackling the pressing security challenges posed by extremism.

The training session addressed various topics, including an overview of terrorism and various forms of violent extremism. It also focused on the strategic objectives outlined in the National Strategy. Labinot Leposhtica, the Legal Office and Monitoring Coordinator at BIRN Kosovo and a member of the Working Group for the National Strategy for Preventing and Countering Terrorism emphasized the importance of engaging local communities in efforts to combat extremism and terrorism. He underscored the necessity of implementing the strategy at the local level.

The representative from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Milot Sfishta underscored the vital role of local authorities in achieving the strategy’s goals. During a detailed presentation, he provided an overview of the current situation regarding returnees and emphasized the significant role that local-level initiatives play in the overall process.

A total of 16 participants attended the training, 10 of whom were women. This group reflected a diverse mix of municipal representatives and staff members from the Municipality of Vushtrri.

By the conclusion of the training, participants were left with a deeper understanding of the national strategy as well as an increased awareness of their responsibilities as public servants. This training is aimed at serving a safer and more resilient community, better prepared to face the realities of violent extremism.

The event was part of the ‘Resilient and Inclusive Community Programme’, which is funded by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).

Krenare Ferati

Krenare Ferati is part of the legal office at BIRN. She completed her Bachelor’s studies at the Faculty of Law, University of Hasan Prishtina and is nearing the completion of her Master’s studies in Criminal Law.

Krenare began her career at the Humanitarian Law Center Kosovo, where she monitored war crimes trials, including proceedings at The Hague.

She continues her work as a monitor at BIRN, focusing on cases related to abuse of official duty, terrorism, and war crimes trials. Dedicated to addressing irregularities in the justice system, Krenare is committed to reporting violations that occur within the system to ensure accountability and fairness.

Adile Agushi

Adile Agushi is part of the legal office at BIRN. She is on the verge of graduating with a law degree.

Advocacy for human rights and freedoms has always sparked her interest, which was one of the key reasons that motivated her to pursue legal studies.

Through her work monitoring court sessions, Adile has had the opportunity to closely observe whether the rights of parties in criminal proceedings are respected within the courtroom. In cases of non-compliance, she reports these violations, contributing to the promotion of justice and accountability.

Ernesa Aliu

Ernesa Aliu is a Junior Journalist at BIRN.

She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the University of Prishtina, where she is currently the final stages of her Master’s degree in Media and Communication at UBT – Higher Education Institution.

Jeta Gashi

Jeta Gashi is a Finance Officer at BIRN. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking, Finance, and Accounting from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Prishtina and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field. Additionally, she is a certified accountant.

With over five years of experience in auditing, accounting, and consultancy, she has developed into a precise and dedicated professional. Jeta is highly skilled in time management and prioritization, making her a reliable contributor to any project.

Her deep knowledge of economics enables her to provide innovative and detail-oriented solutions. She is a person who constantly seeks new challenges and is ready to explore uncharted opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys engaging in activities that challenge her and fill her with positive energy.

Flaka Isufi

Flaka Isufi is a speech and language therapist and holds a master’s degree in Medical Sciences with a specialization in Speech Therapy from Lund University in Sweden.

With over 7 years of experience in civil society organizations, Flaka has worked to raise awareness for people with disabilities and to contribute to enhancing the child protection system in Kosovo.

Her most recent positions include impactful roles at SOS Children Villages Kosovo and NGO Autizmi Flet, where she has been involved in promoting inclusive practices and protecting vulnerable families and children, as well as individuals with disabilities in Kosovo. In her free time, Flaka is passionate about hiking, reading, and occasionally Latin dancing. Recently, she joined the BIRN team as a Project Coordinator.

Arton Hamiti

Arton Hamiti is from Likoc village, Skenderaj municipality. He has finished his primary and secondary education in Skenderaj and currently is studying Mass Communications in Journalism at AAB College in Prishtina.

From 2021 until 2024, Arton worked as a Journalist with ATV. In addition to his professional engagements, he has attended dozens of trainings, mainly in the field of Public Procurement. In his free time, Arton enjoys playing      football.

Dorina Drancolli

Dorina has been working in financial management since 2016, with extensive experience in managing projects funded by various donors within local NGOs.

She holds a degree in Banking, Finance, and Accounting from Iliria College and is also a member and student of the Society of Certified Accountants and Auditors of Kosovo (SCAAK).

In addition to her native Albanian, Dorina is fluent in English and Serbo-Croatian.

In her free time, she enjoys walking her dog and playing basketball.

Laurant Berisha

Laurant is nearing graduation in Criminal Law at the University of Hasan Prishtina.

His passion for human rights has been the primary motivation behind pursuing this field, aiming to contribute to a better future for everyone.

Laurant is part of BIRN’s Legal Office, where he focuses on monitoring court sessions.