Cultural heritage represents the identity, history, and spiritual values of a people, making it
a valuable asset that must be protected with dedication and special care. Its destruction
and damage are not only unlawful acts but also direct assaults on national identity and
collective heritage. This study aims to thoroughly examine the criminal offenses committed
against cultural heritage in the historic city of Prizren, which constitutes a rare cultural
treasure for the Republic of Kosovo and the wider region. Through an analysis of Kosovo’s
criminal legislation, as well as a comparison with the applicable legal provisions in the
Republic of Albania and Croatia, the paper highlights legal and institutional shortcomings,
as well as the lack of concrete sanctions against the perpetrators of such acts. The
methodology includes documentary analysis, interviews with relevant officials, and case
studies of actual damage to cultural monuments. The findings emphasize the absence of
intervention by competent authorities and the low level of civic awareness regarding
heritage protection. This paper aims to contribute to the promotion of a stronger legal and
institutional approach, as well as to raise collective awareness about the importance of
preserving cultural heritage as an essential component of national identity, pride, and
dignity.
Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Criminal Offenses, Legal Protection, Prizren, Penal Law
JEL Code: K14 1.