TIRANA, May 23 – A murderer wanted by Kosovo for a killing committed in 2011 has been released by Shà«n Kolli prison in Lezha, northwestern Albania, despite a pending request for his extradition.
Shuaip Zukaj, also known as Shaban Zukaj, was set free from Lezha’s prison after completing a sentence for an attempted murder in Albania, despite a court ruling that he must be extradited to Kosovo upon completion of his sentence.
In Kosovo, Zukaj has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for murder.
Justice Minister Ylli Manjani sacked prison director Kant Ndoi on Tuesday for negligence.
Earlier this week, three prison inspectors were sacked following the release of Zukaj, whereas the official who signed the release order has been detained.
Meanwhile, an official investigation has been launched to determine whether legal procedures have been bypassed.
Previously, prison authorities had claimed that the prisoner was released conform rules and that no extradition order was mentioned in his file.
Reacting to the case, Justice Minister Ylli Manjani said that there will be further sackings in the prison administration in case investigations prove that legal procedures have not been respected.
“I find it hard to believe, it is only local officials involved. I am awaiting a full investigation on the case,” Manjani said.
Zukaj was arrested in Belgium in 2012 on behalf of Albanian authorities for attempted murder and extradited to Albania, where he served his sentence in Shà«n Kolli prison in Lezha.
