Headlines 8 November
- Asphyxiation suspected to be the cause of Astrit Dehari’s death (dailies)
- Kurti claims Dehari was killed violently (KTV)
- Ombudsperson launches inquiry into Dehari’s death (RTK/Dukagjini)
- Schwendiman announces quick actions of the specialist chambers (Koha)
- Former EULEX judge, not guilty on corruption charges (Kosova Sot)
- PDK confirms names of two new ministers (Klan Kosova)
- Haliti: There is no need for extraordinary elections (Lajmi)
Kosovo Media Highlights
Asphyxiation suspected to be the cause of Astrit Dehari’s death (dailies)
The forensics team concluded yesterday the autopsy of Vetevendosje activist, Astrit Dehari, as requested by family members. Chief prosecutor of the Basic Prosecution in Prizren, Sylë Hoxha, said on Monday that based on the initial results of the expertize, Dehari died from asphyxiation, and rejected suspicion that he had used medicaments. He said that the final result of the autopsy is expected to be made public very soon. Vetevendosje movement announced that Dehari will be buried today, Tuesday, at 14:00 hours.
Kurti claims Dehari was killed violently (KTV)
Former Vetevendosje leader and MP, Albin Kurti, said in an interview for KTV last night that their activist, Astrit Dehari, was killed in his cell at the Prizren detention facility. “His death came as a result of strangulation,” said Kurti dismissing reports that claimed Dehari committed suicide. He also said that Dehari had scratch signs on his neck and arms, broken ribs and an injury to the head. “We are in a state of shock,” Kurti said.
Ombudsperson launches inquiry into Dehari’s death (RTK/Dukagjini)
Kosovo Ombudsperson, Hilmi Jashari, said that he has authorized a separate inquiry into the death of Vetevendosje activist Astrit Dehari at the detention facility in Prizren. Jashari said the move came upon the deceased’s family request and that the findings of the inquiry will be presented in a month or two.
Schwendiman announces quick actions of the specialist chambers (Koha Ditore)
The paper reports on the front page today that in his first visit to Kosovo, chief prosecutor of the Kosovo Specialist Prosecutor’s Office David Schwendiman, announced quick and unbiased actions. Schwendiman met yesterday Prime Minister Isa Mustafa, Justice Minister Dhurata Hoxha and chief prosecutor Aleksander Lumezi but not Kosovo Assembly President Kadri Veseli and President Hashim Thaci. During his Kosovo visit, Schwendiman is also expected to meet the EU Special Representative Nataliya Apostolova, UNMIK chief Zahir Tanin and other international community representatives.
Former EULEX judge, not guilty on corruption charges (Kosova Sot)
EULEX Mission and EU Office/EUSR through a joint statement commented on Monday’s ruling on termination of a criminal investigation in a Special Prosecution of Kosovo (SPRK) case in which the offences of giving bribes and accepting bribes were rejected against four defendants. “We welcome that a thorough investigation was carried out into the allegations of corruption within EULEX, by the mixed prosecutorial team comprised of an international and local prosecutor. As stated by the Kosovo Chief Prosecution office, the evidence collected throughout the investigation proves that the former EULEX judge Francesco Florit has not committed any offences in discharging his duties. We are pleased to note that the Kosovo Chief Prosecution Office clearly stated that the evidence found that EULEX judge Florit has not committed the criminal offence of soliciting or accepting a bribe. EULEX Mission and EU Office/EUSR are confident that the integrity of EULEX affected staff is hereby fully restored,” notes the statement.
PDK confirms names of two new ministers (Klan Kosova)
Citing unidentified sources within the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the news site reports that the PDK MP Blerta Deliu Kodra has been assigned to take the post of Minister of European Integration, while Ferat Shala, who was Deputy Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning until now, will take the lead of this Ministry.
Haliti: There is no need for extraordinary elections (Lajmi)
Deputy leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Xhavit Haliti said on Monday that there is no reason for Kosovo to organize new elections. “Kosovo is not Italy and its budget cannot afford fancies of the politicians, we should engage on doing our duties,” Haliti said. However, he added that the only person of the party that can proclaim policies of the party, including elections, is the leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), Kadri Veseli.