The Kosovo Police have conducted interviews with three educators employed at a state-run nursery in Fushë Kosovë following suspicions of child abuse involving a 3-year-old boy. The child’s parent also provided a statement to the police.

A day prior, family members of the 3-year-old posted security camera footage from the “Gëzimi Ynë” (Our Joy) nursery in Fushë Kosovë on social media, alleging that the educators were engaged in abusive behavior towards the child.

Fatlum Berisha, the Director of Education in Fushë Kosovë, informed the media that the educators implicated in this case will be suspended from their positions once the police’s interrogation process is concluded.

Meanwhile, a coalition of non-governmental organizations dedicated to Child Protection (KOMF) has responded to this incident.

“In light of this grave incident, KOMF calls upon responsible institutions to take immediate actions and necessary measures in line with the prevailing legislation,” stated the coalition.

KOMF also urged relevant institutions to enhance their monitoring and inspection of preschool facilities in Kosovo “in order to prevent such occurrences”.

The coalition emphasized that, as per the Law on Child Protection and other applicable legislation, all forms of child abuse, including physical and psychological abuse, as well as neglect, are strictly prohibited.

According to the family members who shared the video footage, the 3-year-old allegedly suffered physical abuse from two educators, and they alleged that the janitor and cook at the institution were also involved in the mistreatment. They further noted that the child is experiencing “severe psychological trauma, has difficulty sleeping, and is undergoing significant distress”.