Kobaj case: minor sentenced to 9 years in prison for aggravated murder

The Basic Court in Prizren, Juvenile Department, has found minor A.O. guilty and sentenced him to nine years in prison for two criminal offenses, including aggravated murder.

The incident for which the sentence was handed down took place on June 14, 2026, in the village of Kobaj, in the Municipality of Prizren. According to the verdict, A.O., acting jointly with his brother, Sh.O., attacked two people with a knife.

During the altercation, the minor stabbed the victim, A.O., once in the chest. Due to her serious injuries, she was taken to hospital with no signs of life, where her death was confirmed.

The other person attacked, I.O., sustained minor bodily injuries.

The trial panel found that A.O. committed the criminal offense of “aggravated murder,” as defined in Article 173, paragraph 1, subparagraph 1.5, in conjunction with Article 31 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo, as well as the offense of “unauthorized ownership, control or possession of weapons,” under Article 366, paragraph 1.

The nine-year sentence will be reduced by the period the minor spent in pretrial detention. In addition, the pretrial detention measure against him has been extended until the verdict becomes final.

At the hearing held on September 18, A.O. stated that he accepted responsibility and guilt for the offenses attributed to him.

The court assessed that he understood the nature and consequences of accepting responsibility, while the statement was made after sufficient consultation with his defense counsel.

The full written and reasoned verdict will be delivered to the parties. Any party dissatisfied with the decision may file an appeal with the Court of Appeals.

According to the Basic Court in Prizren, the case against the two other suspects, Sh.O. and A.O., remains in the preliminary/investigative proceedings stage before the Serious Crimes Department.