# High-profile murder convictions in Kosovo and Serbia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/high-profile-murder-convictions-in-kosovo-and-serbia
> Updated: 2026-08-26T09:51:51.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In August 2026, separate high-profile murder cases in Kosovo and Serbia resulted in life imprisonment sentences.

In Pristina, the Basic Court sentenced Naim Murseli and Granit Plava to life imprisonment, and Kushtrim Kokalla to 30 years, for the 2022 murder of Liridona Ademaj. The court determined the killing was a pre-planned act intended to profit from a life insurance policy worth 3,000,000 Swedish krona.

In Serbia, the High Court in Novi Pazar sentenced Aldina Lakota to life imprisonment for the 2024 murder of her mother-in-law in Dubnica. The court convicted Lakota of aggravated murder committed in a “cruel and insidious manner,” noting the victim sustained 121 stab wounds. This verdict follows a previous sentence that was overturned due to procedural errors.

## Claims

- The High Court in Novi Pazar sentenced Aldina Lakota to life imprisonment. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Lakota was convicted of aggravated murder committed in a cruel and insidious manner. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Aldina Lakota is the first woman in Serbia to be sentenced to life imprisonment in a first-instance verdict since the penalty was reintroduced in 2019. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Appeals Court in Kragujevcu previously overturned a prior life sentence due to procedural errors and incomplete factual findings. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Aldina Lakota inflicted 121 stab wounds on her mother-in-law. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- 50 of the stab wounds were located in the head and neck area. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The murder occurred on May 28, 2024, in the village of Dubnica near Sjenica. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Lakota is the 17th person in Serbia to be sentenced to life imprisonment since the penalty's reintroduction. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Aldina Lakota sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in Serbia

Aldina Lakota has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in Novi Pazar for the brutal murder of her mother-in-law in Sjenica, Serbia.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aldina-lakota-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-for-murder-in-serbia

### 2026-08-01: Life sentences handed in Liridona Ademaj murder case in Pristina

Pristina court gave life terms to Naim Murseli and Granit Plava and a 30‑year term to Kushtrim Kokalla for the pre‑planned murder of Liridona Ademaj, motivated by insurance fraud.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/life-sentences-handed-in-liridona-ademaj-murder-case-in-pristina

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Cite as: High-profile murder convictions in Kosovo and Serbia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/high-profile-murder-convictions-in-kosovo-and-serbia