Illegal possession of firearms, socio-economic factors, and lifestyle are some of the causes that contribute to committing murders, says security expert Avni Islami.

Islami stated to KosovaPress that the state needs a new strategy, as "repressive mechanisms are insufficient to fight the high number of murders."

Among other things, he says there should be greater public awareness and lectures in schools, KosovaPress reports.

"Kosovo's institutions should consider changing the strategy, through raising awareness among citizens, families, schools, non-governmental organizations, and the institutions themselves should use both written and electronic media to create nationwide awareness. Kosovo needs a strategy from its institutions, because with repressive mechanisms it is impossible to prevent or minimally reduce the number of murders in Kosovo. Kosovo has about 10,000 police officers across the country, and it is impossible for a police officer to be present at every location where such an incident occurs," says Islami.

Another concern raised by Islami is the illegal possession of firearms.

However, Islami states that illegal possession of firearms is just one of the causes, as "socio-economic factors and lifestyle have a significant impact on the use of weapons."

"Illegal possession of firearms is only one of the causes, because many factors, including socio-economic factors and lifestyle, have an impact," Islami says.

Islami also mentions the importance of confiscating illegal firearms. The Kosovo Police stated on Wednesday to KosovaPress that during 2024 alone, 1,746 firearms were confiscated, while the number the previous year was 1,392.

In just the last three days, four murders have occurred – in three separate cases – as a result of shootings, KosovaPress reports.

On Sunday, March 23, in Vushtrri, a 19-year-old man died, who is suspected to have been killed by a peer. The suspect has confessed to the crime and is in custody.

Another murder-suicide occurred a day later, on March 24, also in Vushtrri. In this case, it is suspected that a man from the village of Stanoc killed a woman and then himself.

Another murder took place on Tuesday evening, March 25, in Prishtina, KosovaPress reports. The tragic event occurred on "Rrustem Hyseni" street. One person died, and another was injured. The suspect for this case is on the run.

After these incidents, reactions were raised in Kosovo. The acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, stated on Wednesday that there should be immediate institutional action and societal reflection, while emphasizing that law enforcement agencies must treat these cases seriously and ensure justice for the victims.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, Memli Krasniqi, warned that the PDK, in the new legislature, after the consolidation of institutions and the new government, will initiate changes to the Criminal Code and relevant legislation to toughen penalties for illegal firearm possession.

The chairman of the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo, Ramush Haradinaj, said that "the hand of the state must be felt, first and foremost, in ensuring order and peace." /E. Krasniqi