Tributes were held at the commemorative plaque for police officer Triumf Riza, and the foundation stone was laid for a memorial dedicated to officers who fell in the line of duty. The ceremony was attended by representatives of Kosovo’s high institutions, family members, and citizens.
Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, described the memorial as a tribute to an extraordinary officer who was brutally killed 18 years ago in the Dardania neighborhood of Pristina.
“We are here to honor an exceptional police officer who, 18 years ago, was murdered in this very place in Dardania with a hail of bullets. Triumf Riza, before being a courageous policeman, was a courageous human being. At just 20 years old in 1999, he joined the Kosovo Police to serve public order and uphold the law. He was dedicated, uncompromising, and a role model. I personally knew Triumf Riza, having lived in this neighborhood for nine years. He was an extraordinary young man of the capital who sought justice and never spared himself. Even in life, he was an example for all, and now, as a hero of Kosovo, someone who sacrificed himself against criminal gangs, he inspires every state official and not just the Kosovo Police,” Kurti said.
Acting Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, called Triumf Riza a symbol of the fight against crime in the capital:
“If Afrim Bunjaku and Enver Zymberi symbolize the protection of Kosovo’s territorial integrity in the north, Triumf Riza is the symbol of the fight against crime and the extension of lawfulness in the capital. By honoring his sacrifice, we honor all those who work to uphold law and order, strengthen the state of Kosovo, and build a better future for the next generations,” Sveçla said.
Director General of the Kosovo Police, Gazmend Hoxha, added that Riza was an exemplary officer and part of the special units:
“Triumf was an exemplary officer of the Kosovo Police, a distinguished member of our special units, who contributed enormously to the professional development and capacity building of our units. Unfortunately, the hand of crime took him too early, preventing him from further growth and contribution to the Kosovo Police,” Hoxha said.
