Bedri Elezi: Gun killings are an alarm signal for security and trust in justice in Kosovo

Bedri Elezi, a security expert, said in a statement to “Bota sot” that the recent killings with firearms constitute a serious alarm for the security situation in Kosovo.

According to him, the possession and use of unlicensed weapons is directly contributing to the increase in violence, and he said immediate intervention by institutions is required.

“The recent cases of killings with firearms are an alarm signal that the Republic of Kosovo is facing serious challenges in the field of public security. The possession and circulation of unlicensed weapons, combined with their use in personal and criminal conflicts, has created a situation that requires an immediate institutional response. However, beyond the consequences, it is essential to honestly analyze the causes fueling this escalation of violence.

In every democratic state, citizens’ trust in the justice system is the main pillar of constitutional order and national security. A state may have modern laws and consolidated institutions, but if the citizen does not believe that justice acts impartially, swiftly and equally for all, then the authority of the state itself is weakened,” he said.

Elezi also expressed concern over the growing use of informal routes to resolve disputes, mentioning cases of vigilantism as well.

“In Kosovo, developments are being observed that deserve serious analysis. More and more citizens are turning to informal mechanisms to resolve disputes. In some cases, reconciliations between parties are carried out by imams or other figures with authority in the community, while cases of vigilantism and the use of violence as a way to resolve conflicts have also been recorded.

The existence of these mechanisms in itself does not necessarily constitute a problem. Concern arises when they begin to replace state institutions and citizens lose faith that they can find justice through the law. It is precisely here that the fundamental question must be asked: what drives the citizen to no longer trust justice?

Part of the answer is linked to the performance of security and justice institutions. Protracted investigations, contradictory decisions, lack of accountability, the perception of selective treatment and suspicions of corruption create the conviction that justice does not function equally for all. Such a perception, whether or not it is supported in every specific case, is dangerous because it undermines public trust. At this point, an issue arises that should not be considered taboo,” he added.

He went on to speak about the possible reasons that may have influenced the decline in trust in the justice system, including institutional incompetence, corruption, but also the possibility of deliberate actions with consequences for national security.

“If the decline in trust in justice is the result of institutional incompetence, then professional reforms, capacity-building and effective accountability mechanisms are needed.

If it is the result of corruption, then independent investigations, criminal prosecution and individual accountability are required.

But if, in specific cases, it is proven with lawful evidence that the actions of public officials were undertaken knowingly and in cooperation with foreign interests to weaken citizens’ trust in the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, then the issue goes beyond corruption or abuse of office. Depending on the proven facts, elements of criminal offenses affecting the constitutional order, national security, or even the criminal offense of espionage may arise. This, of course, can only be established through professional investigations and decisions by the competent justice bodies.

For this reason, the responsible institutions must treat the decline in trust in justice not only as a problem of institutional reputation, but also as an important indicator of risk to national security and constitutional stability,” he stressed.

In conclusion, Elezi called for concrete steps from institutions to combat illegal weapons and strengthen the justice system, underlining that trust in justice constitutes a strategic asset for the state.

“At the same time, the Kosovo Police must intensify operations to identify and confiscate illegal weapons, the Prosecution must prioritize cases of illegal possession of weapons, while the courts must apply a consistent and effective criminal policy toward the perpetrators of these offenses. In parallel, stronger mechanisms are needed for conflict prevention, strengthening community policing and restoring citizens’ trust in institutions.

Trust in justice is not only a moral or institutional value. It is a strategic asset of the Republic of Kosovo. When it weakens, it creates ground for parallel justice, vigilantism, increased violence, radicalization, manipulation by external actors and undermining of the constitutional order.

Therefore, the periodic measurement of citizens’ trust in the justice system should be considered an important indicator of national security.

Any continued decline in this trust should be accompanied by in-depth analysis, institutional reforms, accountability and concrete measures to guarantee that the state remains the only legitimate authority for enforcing the law and protecting public order,” Elezi concluded for “Bota sot”.