Following the tragic death of a police officer killed in the line of duty, the Kosovo Police Union has issued an urgent appeal to state institutions, demanding immediate implementation of comprehensive life and health insurance for all law enforcement personnel.
The fatal incident occurred at the Morina border point, where officer Rexhep Zenel Gashi—a respected veteran of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)—was struck and killed by a vehicle. The tragedy has reignited severe long-standing frustrations within the force regarding systemic state neglect over basic employee welfare and occupational safety.
The Union’s Stance: High Risk, Zero Insurance Protection
In an official public reaction, the union emphasized that the loss of another officer on duty highlights the permanent, extreme risks that police personnel face daily while maintaining public order and protecting citizens.
According to the union, this latest fatality serves as a stark reminder of the government’s prolonged failure to resolve essential welfare issues. Despite working in high-stress, hazardous environments, Kosovo’s police officers still lack health insurance and life coverage—a deficit that representatives call completely unacceptable for a primary state security agency.
[ The Structural Deficit in Kosovo Law Enforcement ]
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[ Fatal Incident at Morina Border Post ]
(Officer Rexhep Zenel Gashi killed on duty)
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[ Kosovo Police Union Mobilizes Structural Demands ]
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[ Health Insurance Deficit ] [ Life Insurance Deficit ]
Over 2,000 officers injured historically in Families of fallen officers are left
the line of duty bear their own medical fees without institutional financial security
due to lack of a state insurance plan. or structured, legal protection.
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[ Ultimate Appeal to Institutional Leaders ]
Demanding concrete budget allocations and immediate
legislative passage of the Police Welfare package.
A Pattern of Institutional Procrastination
The push for standard welfare guarantees has been a battleground between the union and various government administrations for over a decade. Union leaders point out a continuous cycle of legislative delays:
- Unmet Promises: Basic health and life insurance initiatives have been consistently promised by shifting political coalitions since 2015, yet budget allocations have routinely skipped over the police force in favor of other state expenditures.
- The Cost of Injury: Past union disclosures reveal that nearly 2,000 officers have been injured on duty since the institution’s inception. Under current regulations, officers frequently face situations where direct state subsidies for critical medical treatments are restricted or revoked, leaving them to cover healthcare costs independently.
Kosovo Police Union Statement: “This tragic case forces a return of attention to the critical need for solving vital issues linked to the welfare of the members of the Kosovo Police. They perform tasks under extreme responsibility and in conditions of heightened risk to their lives and health. We call upon responsible institutions to offer concrete solutions to these long-standing issues without delay.”
The union concluded its statement by offering its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer, reiterating that the ultimate sacrifice made by personnel must be met with tangible institutional dignity, rather than empty political statements.
