Kosovo Report Exposes Institutional Failures Before Arlinda Zekaj Murder

Kosovo’s Justice Minister Donika Gërvalla and Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla have presented a report identifying serious institutional failures in the case of Arlinda Zekaj, who was killed on October 25 after repeatedly seeking protection from state authorities.

 

The ministers said the report, submitted to Prime Minister Albin Kurti, identified violations and negligence involving several institutions, including the Basic Court in Peja, the Basic Prosecution Office and the Centre for Social Work.

Presenting the findings, Gërvalla said Zekaj had repeatedly reported domestic violence, threats and fears for her life and the safety of her child.

“Arlinda Zekaj repeatedly sought help from the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, even several times a day. She warned that her life was in danger, yet on October 25 she was killed,” Gërvalla said.

She stressed that the report was not a judicial decision and did not establish criminal liability, but documented serious shortcomings that must be investigated and addressed.

Asked whether she would resign, Gërvalla said she would not reject the possibility if stepping down could contribute to better protection for women and a safer future for them.

Sveçla, however, said he did not believe his resignation would strengthen women's rights or improve their protection, adding that his ministry was making every effort to fulfil its responsibilities.

According to Sveçla, the report identified serious failures, including the failure to enforce the first protection order, delays in enforcing the second, disregard for a request to assess the level of risk, and a lack of necessary measures to strengthen protection for Zekaj.

He said every action and failure to act must be investigated fully, stressing that all institutions in the protection system must fulfil their responsibilities.

Sveçla also revealed that authorities had identified 155 active high-risk cases, for which the Kosovo Police had submitted individual reports detailing the measures taken. The report also included cases classified as medium and low risk.

Arlinda Zekaj is suspected to have been murdered by her brother-in-law on October 25 in Vitomirica, near Peja, just hours after reporting domestic violence to the authorities. The suspect, identified by the initials A.S., was arrested on Wednesday evening.

The findings raise serious questions about why the institutions failed to protect a woman who had repeatedly warned that her life was in danger.