Murat Dernjani, previously convicted and imprisoned in Kosovo for terrorism-related offenses, has today been sentenced once again—this time to 20 years in prison for crimes against humanity. The verdict was delivered by the Basic Court in Pristina in a closed session.
According to the ruling, the testimonies of victims and witnesses, including those read during the trial, were consistent and interconnected, providing a solid basis for the court’s decision to convict.
Who is Murat Dernjani?
Murat Dernjani is no stranger to the justice system in Kosovo. In 2019, the same court sentenced him to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges. The indictment, brought by the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo, accused him of organizing and participating in terrorist groups.
Court documents revealed that in March 2013, Dernjani traveled to Turkey with the intention of joining ISIS. He was accompanied by his wife and son and initially settled in Kilis, a city in southeastern Turkey near the Syrian border. From there, he illegally crossed into Gaziantep and ultimately joined the ranks of ISIS, a terrorist organization operating in Syria and Iraq.
According to the indictment, Dernjani was armed and actively participated in ISIS operations until August 2017. He later withdrew from the group and surrendered to Turkish authorities before returning to Kosovo.
Today's conviction marks a significant development in the efforts of Kosovo's judiciary to hold individuals accountable for serious international crimes committed abroad.