Anis Kalajdzic Gets 45 Years for Killing Aldina Jahic
The Cantonal Court in Mostar imposed the sentence prosecutors had sought. The defense did not dispute that the killing took place, only that it was gender-based.
On November 6, 2026, the Cantonal Court in Mostar handed down a single sentence of 45 years in prison to Anis Kalajdzic for the murder of Aldina Jahic, a 32-year-old woman from Kalesija who was killed in Mostar on November 16, 2025. The verdict is of first instance. In neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Federation, the case set off protests and demands that institutions do more to protect women from violence.
What was Anis Kalajdzic convicted of?
The trial panel, presided over by Judge Darko Zovko, found Kalajdzic guilty on three counts:
- aggravated murder
- unlawful acquisition and possession of a weapon
- continued criminal offense of endangering safety
Kalajdzic asked to attend the verdict in person, although the law did not require it. The trial began on July 7, 2026. The indictment did not cover only the day of the killing: he was also charged over months of death threats, stalking and physical violence against Jahic, as well as threats against his former partner.
What happened on November 16, 2025?
According to the indictment, Jahic had previously been in a relationship with Kalajdzic. The attack began outside a fitness center where she came to train. The sources differ on details: Klix reports that Kalajdzic waited for her there and struck her several times, while N1 says he threatened her with a pistol. Klix places the time at around 6 p.m.
Jahic fled toward a nearby restaurant. Here too the sources diverge: according to Klix, she asked passersby to call the police, while N1 says she called them herself. According to the indictment, Kalajdzic found her in the restroom and shot her with a pistol he held without a permit.
What did the prosecution and the defense argue?
Prosecutor Vesna Pranjic of the Cantonal Prosecutor’s Office of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton asked in her closing argument for exactly 45 years, arguing that a gender-motivated murder had been proven. The prosecution said Jahic had been subjected to threats and stalking and was killed after she made clear she did not want to continue the relationship.
Defense attorney Ibro Bulic did not dispute that Kalajdzic committed the killing. He challenged the legal classification, arguing that a gender-based motive had not been proven. Two expert evaluations found that Kalajdzic’s mental capacity was diminished, but not substantially so. In his closing statement, Kalajdzic expressed remorse and apologized to the victim’s family. The sources we reviewed do not report the court’s reasoning, so it is not clear from them how the court resolved the dispute over the classification.
The evidence included testimony from relatives and friends, correspondence and recordings of phone calls. The family’s attorney, Damir Alic, had said earlier that the family expected the maximum sentence of 45 years.
Family and friends gathered outside the court
Before the verdict was read, relatives, friends of Aldina Jahic and other citizens gathered outside the courthouse. Banners read “She had the right to live,” “You will never be alone,” “Stop femicide” and “Justice for Aldina.”
Can the verdict be appealed?
Yes. The verdict is not final, and an appeal must be filed within 15 days of receiving the written judgment. The Supreme Court of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will rule on the appeals.
