Former police officer Festim Ramadani sentenced to 16 years in prison for the murder in Bibaj, Ferizaj

The Serious Crimes Department of the Basic Court in Ferizaj has found former police officer Festim Ramadani guilty of the criminal offence of “aggravated murder” and sentenced him to 16 years in prison, as Klan Kosova reports.

The panel, chaired by judge Ilir Bytyqi, decided that the time spent in pre-trial detention, from 16 August 2024, will be credited toward the sentence. The sentence will be executed once the verdict becomes final.

According to the prosecution’s indictment, the incident took place on 16 August 2024, at around 19:21, in the parking area of the courtyard of the “F. Palace” restaurant, in the village of Bibaj in the Municipality of Ferizaj, during a wedding ceremony. Ramadani was accused of intentionally and with premeditation, for alleged family motives, firing a burst of bullets at the victim S.S., taking his life at the scene. According to the indictment, the incident took place in the presence of dozens of people, including minors, and an official automatic police weapon was used.

The court also decided that Festim Ramadani’s pre-trial detention will continue until the verdict becomes final, but no longer than the duration of the sentence imposed. The injured parties were directed to civil proceedings to pursue their property-law claim. The parties have the right to appeal this verdict within 30 days of receiving it in written form.