The Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC) learned with profound pain, from the print media, about the murder of judge Fildes Hafizi, as well as the background, conditions and circumstances of this incident. On this occasion, we convey to the family and all relatives of the victim our sincere condolences.
AHC condemns this barbaric act, an offense that is a stark social threat that requires a response with the full harshness of the law.
The above incident that took the life of a person, mother of two children, the judge and professional of the justice system has caused indignation among the entire public opinion. Becoming familiar with the preliminary information published in the media, the public has the right to ask: Could such a crime have been prevented? The best response, more accurate than anyone else, in our opinion can and should come from the relevant justice bodies as well as the executive institutions at the local and national level, that are responsible for protecting, supporting and rehabilitating victims, alleviate the consequences, and prevent domestic violence.
AHC understands the statements by leaders and associations of the justice system, which like the others, condemned this act and demand the fast clarification of the case. This is understandable also because of the fact that the victim was their colleague.
Nevertheless, AHC, without prejudice toward any institution or specific persons, including the justice system, is of the opinion that when such crimes take place, especially when there are founded data and signals that this or that criminal offense may be committed, it is indispensable to act quickly to prevent them.
AHC also considers that preventive effects require an evaluation of criminal referrals, fast investigation and trying of cases, implementation of a just criminal policy, as well as the rigorous enforcement of the law no. 9669 “On measures against domestic violence,” of 2006. Practice has highlighted in some cases that failure to evaluate the above issues has been accompanied by harmful consequences, up to the commission of crimes that pose a great social threat.
Punishment of the perpetrator in accordance with the law also has preventive effects at the same time. It increases citizens’ trust in justice bodies.
