The killing of Sebahate Morina has already been proven as a failure of the prosecution. This makes the crime even more serious.
Violence against women, especially fatal cases, is reaching alarming levels. In this regard, it is essential to take concrete measures to realize the right to life and security for the women of Kosovo. None of these cases of violence should be considered sporadic or unrelated, because they are interconnected. From an economic system that oppresses and excludes, to a patriarchal culture that normalizes inequality, blames the victim, and protects the perpetrator. Therefore, we must not remain silent about this especially the state authorities responsible for justice, protection of citizens, and their security.
The Institute for Social Policies “Musine Kokalari” joins the call of IKD and RrGGK for a thorough investigation of the case regarding institutional failure. Furthermore, we consider that disciplinary measures should be taken and, if applicable, criminal charges pursued against the officials involved in this case. The failure to protect the victim of domestic violence by state authorities constitutes a crime in itself.
This is not the first time that law enforcement authorities have shown such a dismissive approach towards violence against women. The statement by the prosecutor’s office in the case of Ms. Morina clearly shifts the blame onto the victim, because Ms. Morina did not attend the second interview. The prosecutor’s office completely ignores the environment of fear and intimidation in which the victim of domestic violence finds herself. It fails in fulfilling its duty. In such cases, the prosecutor’s office should continue the procedures and ensure measures that the victim of violence is free from fear to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, rather than blaming her.
Such an approach by the prosecutor’s office helps crime instead of fighting it. The establishment of such a mentality within the justice system is both appalling and concerning. There have been numerous reported cases where police and/or judicial officials have taken a victim-blaming stance, sometimes showing silent, and other times overt, sympathy for the abuser.
ISP “Musine Kokalari” calls for making the fight against violence against women a state priority. Urgently, we must draft, approve, and implement a national strategy for victims and another for perpetrators. These should be accompanied by aggressive awareness campaigns.
Similarly, police officers should undergo specific training related to violence against women, while judicial officials should receive specialized training on the obligations arising from the Istanbul Convention.
At the same time, the law should oblige law enforcement agencies to respond as a priority in cases of violence against women.
Also, the police should be equipped with adequate tools for collecting evidence in cases of violence, so that the evidence can be usable and valid in court. And finally: Every member of society, especially men, must understand that a woman is an equal member of our society. She has no legal or customary right to be deprived of her life. There can be no reason that pushes her in this direction. A woman is a human being with social subjectivity. She is not the property of the husband. She is not the property of the brother. She is not the property of the father. She is her own self, like everyone else.