Kosovo Opposition Activist Committed Suicide, Prosecutor Says

Protester demanding justice for Astrit Dehari's death | Photo: BIRN

According to the chief prosecutor of the western Kosovo town of Prizren, Syle Hoxha, 17 people were interviewed during the investigation, four of whom were interviewed twice.

“All the evidence and examinations carried out during the investigation show that this case was a suicide," Hoxha told a press conference on Friday.

"The cause of death was asphyxia – respiratory failure due to the closure of upper respiratory pathways by strong tool," he added.

Hoxha said there had been no fight or other problem between prisoners, explaining that Dehari’s cell was on the second floor and that nobody was suspected of any involvement in his death.

Astrit Dehari died in prison in Prizren on November 5.

He had been in detention since August, when he was arrested on suspicion of terrorism for allegedly throwing an explosive device in parliament in August.

The opposition party Vetevendosje, to which Dehari belonged, pointed the finger at authorities for the 26-year-old’s death.

The result of Dehari’s autopsy came 13 days after he died, while thousands of Kosovo citizens marched in Pristina on Monday demanding justice.

The Dehari family has lost two sons within two years. Arbnor Dehari, the organizational secretary of Vetevendosje, died in 2014 having allegedly committed suicide.