FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Who should be held responsible for the death of the 7-year-old girl?
The Vlora Court has decided to acquit the five police officers accused of abuse of power in connection with the Potami tragedy, where little Jonada Avdiaj, only 7 years old, lost her life.
After a court process that lasted three years, the prosecution requested a sentence of 1 year and 6 months in prison for each of the five officers. But the Court of First Instance in Vlora ruled differently: all were found not guilty.
The deceased's grandfather, Ismet Avdiaj, also spoke in the courtroom, expressing shock and deep disappointment at the verdict. "Justice did not work; our claims were never heard," he said, calling the court's decision unfair and insulting to the family's pain.
The event that shocked Albania occurred on August 2, 2022 on Potami beach, Himara. A rubber boat driven by police officer Arjan Tase fatally hit Jonada, as she was bathing on the shore with her father. For this event, Tase was sentenced to 18 years in prison for "intentional murder", but his sentence was reduced to 12 years.
While he is serving his sentence, the investigations into the other officers who were tasked with ensuring safety on the beach ended with a “total pardon” from the justice system. The prosecution held them responsible for the lack of controls and measures, but on July 16, 2025, the Vlora Court decided otherwise – no punishment, no responsibility.
Is this the justice we want? Can a child be worth less than a board of ignored rules? The Avdiaj family demanded justice; they received another act of institutional silence. And the question that remains unanswered is this: Who really bears responsibility for Jonada's death?
Lini një Përgjigje