Jani Rustemaj: Romani man in coma after arrest, Tirana, April 2023
Status: Investigation called for (ERRC report). No outcome found.
Summary
Jani Rustemaj, 27, a Romani man, was arrested on 13 April 2023 near the Delijorgji block in Tirana by police unit no. 2 and later died. The hospital first attributed his coma to a methadone overdose. The State Police said he was arrested for theft and had health problems. The family says they photographed bruises, broken front teeth and a broken leg when visiting him in hospital, and denies he was a drug user. The European Roma Rights Centre wrote to the General Prosecutor, who (per ERRC) called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the arrest and alleged maltreatment. No outcome was found.
Case details
- Location
- Delijorgji residential block, Tirana
- Person injured
- Jani Rustemaj, 27 (spelling varies: Rustemi)
- Injury
- Coma; family reports bruises, broken front teeth and a broken leg (family's photographs, as reported by ERRC). Hospital attributed coma to methadone overdose (as reported).
- Police statement
- State Police said he was arrested for theft, showed health problems, and was taken to hospital two days later.
- Prosecution file
- Not identified in sources reviewed
- Prosecution status
- Call for investigation by General Prosecutor (per ERRC); no outcome found
- Footage
- None identified
- Official response
- State Police account as above. ERRC letter to General Prosecutor.
- Outcome
- Death; no reported charges.
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (0)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
Nothing recorded in this list.
What is alleged (0)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
Nothing recorded in this list.
Open questions (0)
Nothing recorded in this list.
Responses (0)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
Nothing recorded in this list.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 2 sources.
Source label: DisputedDisputed · 2 sources
- Publisher
- European Roma Rights Centre
- Date
- 2023
- Publisher
- ABC News Albania
- Date
- Apr 2023