A fire that broke out overnight at the Berisha family’s home in Zveçan is being investigated as suspected arson, after the family returned to the property for the first time in 28 years.
Kosovo Police said officers and firefighters responded shortly after midnight and found part of the roof damaged and one room affected by fire. Police said they observed signs indicating that the blaze may have been deliberately started.
Zana Berisha, a member of the family, said they believe the incident was an attack intended to intimidate them and discourage their return to the area.
She said the family had been preparing the house for renovation since March, with the aim of eventually moving back into their property. The Berishas are reportedly the first Albanian family to return to the area after a prolonged absence.
“Someone appears to have been disturbed by our return and is trying to intimidate and frighten us so that we do not continue,” Berisha said, adding that the incident had instead strengthened the family’s determination to remain on their property.
Police spokesperson Veton Elshani confirmed that investigators had identified indications of arson at the scene, although the overall damage was limited because the house was unoccupied.
“The police are dealing with this case and investigating it,” Elshani told RTK, describing the security situation in northern Kosovo as calm and stable, while noting that the area remains sensitive because of ongoing political and other developments.
The incident comes amid heightened activity in northern Kosovo, including investigations into suspected 1999 war crimes following the recent discovery of human remains, as well as the demolition of allegedly unauthorized buildings around Lake Gazivoda.
A duty prosecutor has ordered the initiation of an investigation into suspected arson. Authorities have not yet announced any arrests or identified potential suspects.
