Two parents from the Municipality of Lipjan have been arrested and detained for 48 hours on suspicion of abusing their 5-year-old child, who is in serious health condition and has severe wounds on both soles of his feet, along with pronounced gangrenous changes.
The 5-year-old is currently receiving medical treatment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Pediatric Clinic, as his condition is serious and there are suspicions of malnutrition and communication difficulties.
“A 5-year-old child from Lipjan was brought to the Central Emergency Department, referred by the Lipjan Family Medicine Center, due to severe wounds on both soles of the feet, accompanied by pronounced gangrenous changes. At the time of admission, the child was in a serious health condition, with signs of hypotrophy (suspected malnutrition) and difficulties in communication,” the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK) said in a response to KosovaPress.
UCCK further stated that after medical consultations with pediatricians and a plastic surgeon, it was recommended that the child be urgently hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for further treatment and monitoring.
Due to suspicions of possible child abuse, UCCK notified the relevant authorities, including the Police and social services, in accordance with legal procedures and obligations for child protection.
The child has undergone full laboratory examinations and has also received psychological treatment due to his severe psychological condition.
According to UCCK, the child is currently in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit without parental care or a legal guardian.
They stated that the minor is being cared for by medical staff and a social worker.
“After admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the child underwent full laboratory and imaging examinations. Intensive wound treatment is ongoing, while multidisciplinary consultations have also been carried out with a vascular surgeon, plastic surgeon, and orthopedist. Due to the child’s serious psychological condition, a psychologist, child psychiatrist, and social worker have also been involved in the treatment process to assess and provide the necessary psychosocial support. Currently, the child is without parental or legal guardian accompaniment and is under continuous supervision by medical staff and social workers, in accordance with procedures for the protection and care of children in such situations,” UCCK said.
Meanwhile, the Basic Prosecution of Pristina told KosovaPress that, by decision of the prosecutor, both parents have been detained for 48 hours, and within the legal deadline, a request for pre-trial detention will be submitted.
The parents are suspected of committing the criminal offenses of “Violation of family obligations” and “Grievous bodily harm.”
“By decision of the State Prosecutor, two (2) persons have been detained for 48 hours on suspicion of committing the criminal offenses ‘Violation of family obligations’ under Article 244 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kosovo, and ‘Grievous bodily harm’ under Article 186 of the Criminal Code. The case prosecutor is undertaking all necessary investigative actions. Meanwhile, within the legal deadline, a request for pre-trial detention will be submitted to the competent court. Due to the sensitivity of the case, we cannot provide further details as this may harm the integrity and progress of the investigation,” the Prosecution said.
According to the Kosovo Police 24-hour report, the case has been classified as “violation of family obligations.”
“It has been reported that a minor male Kosovo victim was brought to UCCK-Pristina due to his poor condition, as a result of lack of treatment by his parents. The suspects were arrested and, after being interviewed, were sent to detention by decision of the prosecutor,” the Kosovo Police report states.
