The Acting Minister of Justice, Albulena Haxhiu, revealed that out of 1,752 inmates currently held in Kosovo’s prisons, only 4 have been convicted for the criminal offense of usury, while 8 remain in pretrial detention, according to data from the Kosovo Correctional Service, reported by Reporteri.net.
Her statement follows recent reports that two suspects in the triple murder case in Gjilan, Mefail and Edonis Shkodra, were released on bail in October last year at the request of the Special Prosecution, three months after their arrest for usury and extortion during a police operation in Gjilan.
Haxhiu described this situation as alarming, emphasizing that despite the significant impact such crimes have on citizens’ lives — including social and often tragic consequences — the justice system has failed to address them with the necessary seriousness and determination.
“These are not isolated crimes but part of a criminal chain that targets the most vulnerable and fuels a deep sense of injustice in society. Recent tragic cases clearly demonstrate the consequences of institutional negligence toward these phenomena,” Haxhiu stated.
She urged an urgent review of punitive policies and strengthening of investigations and prosecutions related to usury offenses.
“We cannot talk about the rule of law while criminals walk free, and victims live in fear and insecurity,” Haxhiu concluded.
