Aktash Murder Trial Continues in the Absence of Endrit Llapashtica and Dardan Marevci

The Basic Court in Pristina held an initial hearing on Tuesday against Endrit Llapashtica and Dardan Marevci, who are charged in connection with the murder that occurred in Aktash. As both remain beyond the reach of the justice authorities, the proceedings against them are being conducted in absentia.

Prosecutor Bashkim Zeqa stated at the outset that the Prosecution had taken all necessary steps to secure the defendants’ presence, but they have been on the run since the criminal offense was committed. He said the indictment was filed in absentia in accordance with legal provisions, after all legal avenues for their arrest and securing their presence had been exhausted.

According to prosecutor Zeqaj, all measures have been used to locate the defendants, including arrest warrants and domestic and international wanted notices. Nevertheless, they remain at large, although they are aware that criminal proceedings are being conducted against them.

The prosecutor added that the defendants were acting in this manner to evade summonses from the Prosecution and justice institutions. For this reason, he requested that the proceedings against them continue in absentia.

Yll Hasani, court-appointed attorney for Dardan Marevci, stated that he did not oppose the Prosecution’s proposal. Meanwhile, Muhamet Mehmeti, court-appointed defense attorney for Endrit Llapashtica, said he would leave the decision to the Court’s discretion.

Following the parties’ statements, presiding judge Fatime Dermaku ruled that the initial hearing should continue. The parties also agreed that the indictment would be deemed read.

Judge Dermaku informed the defense that it could file a motion to dismiss the indictment and challenge the evidence within 30 days.

In this criminal case, Korab Gashi, Valdrin Ademi, Robert Llumnica, Salih Sekiraqa, Fatos Abazi, Erd Marevci, Endrit Llapashtica, Dardan Marevci and Vesel Bunjaku are charged in connection with the murder of Premtim Gashi, which occurred on September 1, 2024, in Pristina’s Aktash neighborhood, “Betimi për Drejtësi” reports.

On February 12, 2026, the Basic Prosecution Office in Pristina filed an indictment against nine people: Korab Gashi, Valdrin Ademi, Robert Llumnica, Salih Sekiraqa, Fatos Abazi, Erd Marevci, Endrit Llapashtica, Dardan Marevci and Vesel Bunjaku. The charges relate to the case in which Premtim Gashi was killed on September 1, 2024, in Pristina’s Aktash neighborhood.

According to the indictment, the incident involved an armed clash between two groups at the “From” bar. Premtim Gashi was killed in the confrontation, while several other people were wounded. The defendants face several criminal charges, including “Aggravated Murder,” “Attempted Aggravated Murder,” “Tampering with Evidence” and “Unauthorized Ownership, Control or Possession of Weapons.”

The indictment links the motive for the attack to an earlier conflict that occurred on March 4, 2024, between Shkumbin Sekiraqa, the son of Salih Sekiraqa, and Pajtim Gashi, the brother of the late Premtim Gashi. That incident had led to an escalation of the conflict between the two groups.

Endrit Llapashtica is accused of committing the criminal offense of “Aggravated Murder” as a co-perpetrator. He and Dardan Marevci are also charged with the criminal offense of “Unauthorized Ownership, Control or Possession of Weapons.”

At a hearing held on May 6, 2026, at the Basic Court in Pristina, Korab Gashi, Valdrin Ademi and Erd Marevci pleaded not guilty to “Attempted Murder” and “Unauthorized Possession of Weapons.” Vesel Bunjaku denied guilt on charges of “Unauthorized Possession of Weapons” and “Tampering with Evidence.”

Robert Llumnica, Salih Sekiraqa and Fatos Abazi pleaded not guilty to “Aggravated Murder,” but admitted guilt to “Unauthorized Possession of Weapons.” At the same hearing, the proceedings against Dardan Marevci and Endrit Llapashtica were severed because both were at large. At the time, the Court had found that the conditions for conducting their trial in absentia had not been met.