On July 21, the most respected Kosovo daily, Koha Ditore (Daily Times), reported that two lawyers, a writer, and an ordinary citizen of Pristina, capital of the territory, had commenced civil legal measures against Shefqet Krasniqi, imam of the city’s Grand Mosque, for his hateful remarks about Mother Teresa, made in a sermon two years ago. At that time, Krasniqi declared that the deceased founder of the Missionaries of Charity, considered the outstanding Albanian personality in recent history, was in “the middle of hell, deep,” because she was not Muslim. Krasniqi further alleged that notwithstanding her celibacy the Albanian nun “could have all the men she wanted,” among other insults.

According to the plaintiffs, Krasniqi’s diatribe violated Kosovo’s law against incitement of religious discord. The status of the case is unclear; Kosovo’s legal system is run by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), which has acted inconsistently in applying regulations adopted by the country’s parliament, including provisions against hate speech. In addition, some Albanians presume that Krasniqi may claim successfully that his statements were protected constitutionally.