The mystery surrounding the m*rder of Martin Çeço in Maliq, sister’s testimony: The police are hiding the truth

Martin Çeço was found drowned and thrown into a reservoir on June 12, 2022, in Kolavec, Maliq, two days after his family lost contact with him.

The program Review brought a powerful and emotional testimony from his sister, who recounted her last moments with her brother and demanded justice for his death.

Asked by the journalist, Klarida Çeço described the last phone call she had with her brother, who had told her he planned to come visit her in Tirana.

She stressed that the police have not solved the case and that those responsible have been released:

“Before he disappeared, Martin called me and told me he would come spend a night in Tirana and bring me cherries. The next day, while I was going to work, he video-called me saying he couldn’t come. I noticed he was red in the face and almost crying. I was heading to work and told him we would talk in the evening since he wasn’t coming. We ended the call, and that was the last time I saw my brother.

The next day, my sister called me and said: ‘Martin is missing.’ I immediately left work and headed to Korçë. As soon as I arrived in Maliq, I filed a report. We started searching among relatives, family members, and friends. The next day, we went looking for him in the village of Rezart Dokolli, Martin’s friend. His father came out, while Rezart himself hid.

As soon as we left the Dokolli family home, the village elder called us and said: ‘Where are you? Come quickly, because a body has been found in the reservoir.’ At that moment, I was completely shocked. My father and I returned to the village, and the place was filled with police officers. I went near the reservoir and watched from afar as they pulled him out. The police did not allow us to see my brother. I fainted there and don’t know what happened afterward.

They took us home, and the village women told me to stay strong and honor my brother. Later, Martin was taken to the morgue, even though I didn’t want that. No one went to identify whether it was really him or not. They kept him in the morgue for one night, and afterward, even at home, the coffin was never opened, although I wanted to see him. That has remained a mystery to me.

Martin had no problems with anyone; he was a calm person. His friend, Rezart Dokolli, absolutely must be questioned. Other people who called him, as well as Xhoni Potka, were never questioned either.

I demand that the truth be uncovered and that the police stop hiding this case. I will pursue this matter until the end. Those who participated in my brother’s murder and those who covered it up must be held accountable.

Our latest court hearing was on April 30, 2026. I went there, but they did not allow me to enter the courtroom. There are many secrets in this story. The state, the police, and the lawyers have clarified nothing.

I don’t know why the case is not being solved. Maybe Martin saw something he should not have seen. The police have not clarified the phone calls either and give me no answers. I want the truth to come to light and for this case to stop being hidden.”

“KORÇA BOOM”