34-year-old woman accused her uncle of kidnapping and rape, MP Zegjine Caushi: Law enforcement bodies must act

Socialist MP Zegjine Caushi has reacted following the publication of a 34-year-old woman’s complaint, in which she claims she was assaulted and raped by the lawmaker’s uncle.

In a lengthy statement on social media, Caushi explained her relationship with her uncle, Bledar Bakaj, as well as with his cohabiting partner, Merita Gremaj. She stressed that she had learned about the case only through the media, like the rest of the public.

According to the MP, her mother’s family has 11 children. Since each of them has created their own family and life, contact between them is not constant.

Caushi said that at the beginning of June, after finishing a meeting in the area, she happened to pass by her uncle’s house. Around 10-15 relatives and neighbors were in the yard, along with Merita Gremaj, who introduced herself as Bledar Bakaj’s cohabiting partner.

In her reaction, the MP stated that the incident in the village of Suk 2 was made public by the media on 14.09.2026 and 15.09.2026, and that she therefore wanted to clarify the information reported so far for the public.

She explained that her mother comes from a family of 11 children—nine sisters and two brothers. They all have their own commitments, families and lives, meaning that communication between them is not continuous.

According to her, the meeting with her mother’s brother, Bledar Bakaj, and Merita Gremaj took place entirely by chance at the beginning of June, after a meeting the MP had attended in the area. As she passed by the house, she saw around 10-15 people in the yard, including relatives and neighbors.

Also present at the gathering was one of her cousins, who had a close family connection with Merita Gremaj through her father’s clan.

Caushi said that as soon as she entered the yard, she met Merita, who introduced herself as Bledar’s cohabiting partner. The MP congratulated them on their relationship, as did the neighbors present, while she and her cousin then asked her: “Have you made up your minds? Are you going to get married?”

According to the statement, Merita Gremaj replied: “Yes, yes, I have taken into account the circumstances in which Bledar lives, even though his father doesn’t like it…”

After this response, Caushi said she addressed her with the words, “Let’s hope you don’t cause us problems,” referring to the father’s lack of approval. The conversation continued with laughter and congratulations from those present.

The MP explained that she stayed for approximately 10 minutes and then left because of her commitments, while the others remained in the yard.

A few days later, she saw photographs on social media of Bledar Bakaj and Merita Gremaj together, smiling and holding flowers in their hands.

Caushi stressed that these are the only details she has had, and continues to have, about their relationship. Regarding the reported incident, she repeated that she learned about it through media reports, just like the public.

The MP stated unequivocally that she strongly condemns every form of violence, regardless of who committed it.

At the same time, she said that the case must be handled with care and seriousness, including from a psychological perspective for both individuals, so that the right solution can be found and any further escalation avoided.

For all other matters, Caushi called on law enforcement bodies to do their duty.