Had relations with a minor, roma community in Korçë protests for the release of the 21-year-old: “We marry from the cradle”

The Roma community of the city of Korçë protested today in front of the courthouse in support of Dritson Kurti, a 21-year-old facing charges for engaging in a relationship with a minor, with whom he had cohabited and had a child. According to the charges brought by the Korçë Prosecutor’s Office, he risks up to 25 years in prison for the criminal offense of “sexual relations with a minor.”

The chairman of the Roma Community Association of Korçë, Avni Kallo, has called for the young man’s release, arguing that early marriage is a tradition in their community. “They are keeping him in prison unjustly. This is our custom, our tradition, passed down by our elders. We know the law, but we will gradually adjust. We get married from infancy. If a boy and a girl are born, they are engaged at birth,” said Kallo. He urged the prosecution and the court to release the young man so he could care for his child, emphasizing that Dritson is an orphan and the only one who can support his family.

Supporting the 21-year-old were also his underage partner and his grandmother. The minor partner stated that their relationship was consensual and not forced. “Please release my husband. He did not take me by force, but with my family’s consent. He never mistreated me; he worked two jobs to provide for us. What has he done to deserve 25 years in prison?” she declared.

A relative of Dritson Kurti, who participated in the protest, shared that she too was married at the age of 13 and had built a healthy family. “I got married at 13 and have a strong family. This is our tradition. If a girl reaches 19-20 years old, no one marries her, and she must marry a man who already has children. If a girl finishes three years of school, someone takes her straight from school,” she said, reinforcing the argument that early marriage is a part of their culture.

On the other hand, the Korçë Prosecutor’s Office has concluded its investigation and is seeking the conviction of the 21-year-old on charges of sexual relations with a minor. Despite the Roma community’s requests for his release, Albanian law classifies relations with a minor as a criminal offense, regardless of cultural traditions or circumstances.

This case has sparked intense debates over the clash between legal norms and the traditions of different communities in Albania. Judicial authorities are expected to make a decision on the fate of the 21-year-old in the coming days.

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