Experts say the security situation in Kosovo is stable

In the last three days, Kosovo has experienced four murders, including a suicide, causing public concern. Security experts have stressed that, despite these tragic events, the security situation in the country remains stable.

Fatmir Çollaku, professor of criminology, emphasized that "the security situation in Kosovo is stable and more stable than in many other countries in the region."

Çollaku mentioned that in 2023 there were 29 murders, while in 2024 only 17 murders were recorded, assessing this as a "drastic decline" in the number of murders.

According to him, the year 2024 is "the year with the fewest murders after the war in Kosovo", which means that "the trend of murders as a phenomenon and category of criminal offenses is declining".

He added that citizens' sensitivity towards the murders is natural and understandable, but criticized "baseless comments and the hysteria that is being articulated, especially by political leaders", emphasizing that this is "unnecessary".

Çollaku said that "the security system functions well" and that "the police do their job", while "the justice system has its mandate and duties".

He also stressed that, despite an isolated case, "the security and justice systems are functional," and that, although citizens' concerns are acceptable, "Kosovo remains a safe country."

Meanwhile, Avni Islami, professor of security sciences, has stated that "every murder, even one murder, is worrying, because a person's life is at stake."

He emphasized that none of the murders that occurred during these three days are connected, having "their own motives," and the reasons for their occurrence cannot be accurately predicted.

"These murders can be qualified as high-risk murders," Islami said, citing them as murders committed in "open environments," including one case where a Kalashnikov was used, which "could have caused general danger."

Çollaku also stressed that, although these murders are important and worrying, they do not “endanger public safety in general”, as they are not organized murders. Islami also mentioned the reaction of public opinion and politicians, but stressed that, due to the fact that these murders are “individual” and not linked to organized criminal activities, “they cannot be considered a general risk to public safety”.

Flamur Hyseni, a law professor, emphasized that “the presence of the state, expressed through the police, is very important in preventing murders.” He emphasized that the Kosovo Police, in general, does its job very well, but said that its capacities need to be increased to improve community security.

According to Hyseni, the murders that occur in "public spaces are a consequence of the reduced police presence," and he emphasized that "security is a situation of momentary perception and sensitivity of the citizen."

He compared the murder situation in Kosovo to the loss of lives in traffic accidents, describing this as an even greater concern.

"If we compare the latest murders with those of 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020, the difference in the loss of lives in traffic is much greater," he stated.

According to him, murders that occur between people, like the recent ones, "cannot be generalized," and it is important to discuss the motives for these murders to understand the factors that are influencing the increase in violence, including domestic violence.

He has mentioned that "community safety as a broader concept" is essential, and that an organized group attacking another group "would have a direct connection to state responsibility."