Pristina Protests Murder of Arlinda Zekaj: “Chronicle of a Foretold Killing” as Demonstrators Demand Justice in Kosovo

PRISTINA, Kosovo — A protest against violence against women began in Pristina following the murder of Arlinda Zekaj, with demonstrators carrying banners expressing grief, anger and demands for justice.

 

The demonstration was called by the Collective for Feminist Thought and Action after Zekaj was killed on Sunday in Vitomirica, near Peja. The suspect is Albert Sylaj, identified as the deceased woman's brother-in-law. Members of Arlinda's family are also participating in the protest.

Among the messages displayed by demonstrators are: “Arlinda, forgive us that our world is still not safe for women,” “Chronicle of a Foretold Killing,” “There Is Never an Excuse,” and “Am I Next?”

Through these slogans, protesters are expressing their outrage over violence against women and demanding accountability in cases where, they argue, institutions fail to protect women from violence.

The demonstration in Kosovo's capital has become a public call for justice for Arlinda Zekaj and renewed attention to the protection of women and the responsibility of institutions to prevent gender-based violence.