On January 8, 2024, Xhuliano Prenga seemingly signed his own death warrant. Accused of the murder of Mustafa Aljiburi, also known as "Benzema," Prenga found himself isolated in the confines of Baghdad's prison. However, recent developments suggest a shift in his fortunes.
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| To the left/above, an image depicts Xhuliano Prenga alongside the car where Mustafa Aljiburi met his demise, while on the right (in a montage) portrays the late Aljiburi. |
More details regarding the fate of the Albanian youth held in isolation in Baghdad for the murder of Mustafa Aljiburi have been brought to light by journalist Ervin Dushi.
In an interview with "Jetë Shqiptare," Dushi revealed that the Swedish state has intervened to ensure that the young Albanian is not sentenced to death. In exchange for this agreement, the state has reportedly paid at least 10 million euros to Iraq. However, this does not fully resolve the young man's predicament. Though spared from death row, he remains incarcerated.
"We have attempted to contact his mother, but it has proven difficult because understanding is needed. There is a child alive who does not have him alive. He continues to be in Baghdad in prison, and the only good thing is that the Swedish state paid to 'buy' his life. They used a clause they had with the tribes there, where agreements could be made. They paid around 10 million euros. It is expected that the court will rule; he may be sentenced to life imprisonment, but it is enough that he is alive. Let them not destroy him in the middle of the city. This is the only good thing. The possibilities for deportation are few because he must serve his sentence in the country where he committed the crime," Dushi explained.
Mustafa Aljiburi, 34, was fatally shot on January 8 in a car in the Ameria district of Baghdad, Iraq. A person, who according to Iraqi media had appeared on a motorcycle and opened fire, fled the scene but was later arrested by the police just a few hours after the incident. Xhuliano Prenga, the 19-year-old who fatally shot the mobster known by his nickname "Benzema," was Albanian. Given that the young man had a Swedish passport, it was understood that he was Albanian only by a tattoo of an eagle on his arm.
The Albanian had been prepared to fulfill the task assigned to him, most likely by a rival gang. Considering the difficult situation between drug clans in Sweden, the media has refrained from publishing further news about the youth, attempting to at least protect his family—his mother, sister, and brother—who still reside in Sweden.
The evolving narrative surrounding Xhuliano Prenga reflects not only the complexities of his individual circumstance but also the broader challenges faced within the realm of international justice and the intricate dynamics of criminal underworlds. As his story unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of crime and the quest for redemption amidst adversity.