The Institute for Social Policies “Musine Kokalari” strongly condemns the murder of the 18-year-old girl in Ferizaj yesterday. The perpetrators of this serious crime must be found as soon as possible and receive the punishment they deserve. This case involves at least two criminal charges: rape and murder.
Beyond the legal aspect, this is a crime against society, against the rights and freedoms of women—rights and freedoms that are violated almost daily. We must not allow gender-based violence to become a norm in our community, much less murder. No one should feel unsafe, especially women in relation to men. The killing of women and girls constitutes one of the most serious crimes against human rights, demanding increased and thoughtful responses, greater awareness, and practical measures to support women in such vulnerable situations.
This case reveals two highly problematic social issues. The first is the criminal behavior of a part of society, such as these two suspects. Cases like this do not happen as a result of a momentary impulse. These are layered thoughts in the minds of such individuals over time. In other words, it is the perceived right that certain people give themselves over others who are weaker, simply because they feel stronger. The question that must be asked here is: what makes criminals feel stronger? Is it the lack of punishment? The second, even more serious issue, is the belief that a man has rights over a woman’s body and will, thus turning the woman into an object. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated phenomenon but has broad prevalence in society. Another point is that its manifestation does not always take a fatal course. But that does not make the phenomenon any less harmful. In this case, we have two men who do not accept the girl’s NO, and they are willing to pursue this rejection to the very end.
Those who committed the act must receive the deserved punishment. But unfortunately, this is not enough. Society as a whole, and men in particular, must understand this as a warning case: we should reflect on what kind of society we truly are, rather than living the illusion of the society we think we are.
Prishtina, August 23, 2021