The Head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), Giovanni Barbano, on Monday called for a full and transparent investigation into the death of 27-year-old Agon Zejnullahu, who died in police custody in Lipjan, a case that has sparked public outrage across Kosovo.
“We take note of the swift launch of an investigation by the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPK) following the death of an individual in Lipjan,” Barbano said in a statement. “We expect the competent authorities to clarify the circumstances of the case fully and transparently, in full respect of the rule of law and human rights standards.”
Footage aired by Dukagjini TV on Sunday showed events leading up to Zejnullahu’s death on July 7. The video begins around 15 minutes before his arrest and appears to show the conduct of police officers during the incident.
Zejnullahu’s brother, Alban Zejnullahu, told the broadcaster that the family was initially not given any official report and that the case was misrepresented. “Only after the footage was published by concerned citizens and the media did the truth come to light,” he said. “What happened was not excessive force – it was inhumane violence against a person who should have been treated differently.”
Kosovo’s Police Inspectorate said it has arrested five officers involved in the incident. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Zejnullahu’s death.