The Basic Court in Prishtina has delivered a guilty verdict against Atdhe Musliu and Labinot Bajrami for the killing of A.H. in Fushë-Kosovë in 2023. Musliu received a combined sentence of 16 years and 8 months, while Bajrami was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Both men were charged with co-perpetrating the murder, while Musliu faced an additional charge for unauthorized possession of a weapon, according to Betimi për Drejtësi.
The verdict was announced on Monday by presiding judge Gent Beka, alongside judges Medie Bytyqi and Agim Kuçi, following the approval of a plea agreement reached between the Prosecution and both defendants.
Judge Beka confirmed that the defendants were found guilty in line with the plea deal. Musliu was sentenced to 16 years for murder and 10 months for weapons possession, resulting in a unified sentence of 16 years and 8 months. Bajrami received 11 years for murder.
The court extended pre-trial detention for both men, not exceeding the length of their imposed sentences. The injured party was advised to pursue compensation through civil proceedings.
Each defendant was also ordered to pay €200 in court fees and €50 to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund within 15 days of the ruling becoming final. As the sentences were recommended under a plea deal, both parties retain the right to appeal within the legal deadline.
Both accused appeared in court along with their lawyers, Taulant Broqi and Fehmije Gashi-Bytyqi.
Earlier, the Court had approved the plea agreement after hearing the positions of the parties involved.
The case has undergone a complex procedural history. In 2023, Musliu initially pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 22 years, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeals. However, the Supreme Court annulled the verdict in May 2024 and returned the case for retrial. The proceedings against the two defendants were later merged in June 2024.
According to the indictment filed on 9 August 2023, the two men assaulted A.H. on 12 February 2023 on “Pjetër Budi” Street in Fushë-Kosovë following an altercation. Bajrami allegedly initiated the attack with punches, kicks, and blunt objects. As the victim attempted to flee, both defendants pursued him and continued the assault. Musliu then stabbed the victim in the chest, causing fatal injuries.
Musliu was also accused of carrying the knife illegally, constituting unauthorized possession of a weapon.
