The Vlora Court of First Instance has today imposed the security measure "prison arrest" on Orest Çorapaj and Julian Zogaj, while Vilson Agaj has been placed under house arrest. The three young men were arrested on December 12, suspected of being the perpetrators of the hostage-taking of 39-year-old Fisnik Xhaka, a citizen from Kosovo. According to the Police, the incident is related to an unpaid debt, while Xhaka is suspected of being held hostage for about two weeks in an apartment in the "Osman Haxhiu" neighborhood in the city of Vlora. For his release, the perpetrators are suspected of having demanded 70 thousand euros.
On the defense side, lawyers have stated that the 39-year-old had gone to Vlora on his own to stay for a period of time and that the report of the kidnapping was made by his sister, who lives in Sweden. They add that the demand for money is related to a debt and that the case has been misinterpreted as a kidnapping.
Judicial Police checks in the apartment where Xhaka was being held have found a suitcase with his personal clothes, a fact that, according to the defense, supports the claim that he had gone voluntarily. The secured video footage shows calm communication between the individuals and previous acquaintances, although the date and time of recording are not clear. Investigations to fully clarify the circumstances of the incident continue.
