Sentencing for Sexual Rape During War Calls for Denial of Other Cases

The Kosovar Centre for the rehabilitation of Torture Survivors welcomed the Constitutional Court's decision in Pristina.

About this act, right after the hearing ends. Fatmire Halili of the QKRMT and the first man who publicly spoke of sexual rape, Ramadan Nishori.

“In terms of solidarity and support for all of those survivors, for all of those voices that are unprecedented and really made us happy that we now have some people who have gone public and in some form, as hard as it is for them to go out and speak publicly, today they have some representatives like Vasfia, Shyhret and Dani. The survivors who win these cases have failed to be present, and now they are with our staff, awaiting this act of judgment that has certainly been welcome.

The two accused, as you have seen, were sentenced to 15 years in prison, but unfortunately the sentence was carried out in absentia, unable to arrest and bring them to justice in order to be called to account for and pronounced a direct sentence. Even though it's late decisions, it's a sign we're on the right track. This is the third case the Kosovar Centre for rehabilitation has reported and represented throughout the entire trial process”, Fatmire Halili said.

Because of the inability to arrest them, judgment against them has been held in absentia. This sentence is seen as an important step in bringing justice to victims of this form of war crimes.

While the first man, who publicly spoke of sexual rape, Ramadan Nishori, said this decision caused his emotions and called for denouncing other cases as well.

We're very happy with the decision. I, as I have recorded in many of my interviews, still appeal to announce the cases, to report to the police, because maybe these criminals could be arrested”, Nishori said.