Killing of 61-year-old in Bulqizë: Wife and son claimed he was attacked by a bear, but deny involvement in court

Urim Fiku’s wife and son have denied any involvement in the 61-year-old’s killing, which took place on November 3 in the village of Godvi in Bulqizë, during a hearing at the Dibër Court. The hearing on their detention has lasted about two hours and has not yet concluded.

According to reports from the courtroom, Sadete Fiku and her son, Gazmir Fiku, have disputed suspicions that they were involved in the crime, saying they did not kill him and had nothing to do with the incident. The court has not yet ruled on their detention. Police announced the arrests of Sadete Fiku, 57, and Gazmir Fiku, 33, one day after the incident, saying both were suspected of involvement in the 61-year-old’s killing.

The account initially given was that Urim Fiku had been attacked by a bear. However, a forensic examination in Tirana found a gunshot wound to his chest. Injuries observed on his head also strengthened police suspicions. The investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

Reports indicate that family members took the 61-year-old to Bulqizë hospital, but he arrived with no signs of life. They objected to hospital staff preparing his body, saying they would take care of it themselves in accordance with their tradition.