Kosovar killed cousin in Switzerland after conflict over a wall in Kosovo – court provides details

A family dispute over a wall in Kosovo, which separated the properties of two cousins, ended tragically with a murder in Switzerland on December 18, 2022.

A 28-year-old Kosovar lost his life after being attacked by his father's cousin, a 57-year-old man, who is currently on trial for this murder.

According to a report by the Swiss newspaper "24 heures", the 28-year-old had traveled to Switzerland to meet his father's cousin in Bière VD.

He was positioned in a bush, equipped with a metal “box”, a Taser and a toolbox. During a heated argument, the 57-year-old pulled out a Swiss Army knife and stabbed the young man, causing his death.

Trial

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the 57-year-old defendant appeared before the District Court in Nyon.

He stated that he no longer remembers the events of the evening of the crime and claimed that he was only protecting himself from his cousin.

However, the motives for this act remain unclear, particularly due to language barriers and the silence of some witnesses.

The reason for the conflict between the two cousins ​​is related to a wall in Kosovo.

The defendant had climbed the wall adjacent to his property to cut down his vines. His cousin, the deceased's father and the owner of the wall, had asked him to come down, which led to a minor physical altercation.

This small conflict turned into a tragedy when tensions transferred to Switzerland.

In court, the deceased's mother and friends described him as "the best person she ever had."

However, police have found evidence showing that the deceased had a troubled history, including a report of death threats.

His family and defense attorneys argue that the motive for the murder was a planned revenge by the 57-year-old. They emphasized that the Swiss Army knife used in the murder was not known in the defendant's circle.

Prosecutor Annick Tavares is seeking a sentence of 7 years in prison and deportation from Switzerland for the defendant.

The court's decision is expected to be made on Thursday, bringing an official end to this complex and emotional case.