Gazmend Hoxha, director general of the Kosovo Police, left his post on October 30, five days after Arlinda Zekaj was killed. The incident sparked protests and calls for institutional accountability.
Asked by Radio Free Europe whether his resignation was connected to how the institutions had handled the case, Hoxha replied that it “is related to a moral resignation.” He did not clarify whether, by using this expression, he was taking responsibility for institutional shortcomings.
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The Prime Minister’s Office announced that same day that Albin Kurti had accepted the resignation and relieved Hoxha of his duties. On the proposal of Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla, Kurti appointed Fehmi Hoti acting director general of the Kosovo Police.
The government’s announcement said it “appreciates Mr. Hoxha’s contribution and commitment throughout his term.” The reasons for the resignation were not made public.
Hoxha’s departure came as security and justice institutions faced criticism over their handling of Zekaj’s case. She was killed by her former brother-in-law. The day before the resignation, the Kosovo Police suspended 11 officers over the way the case had been handled.
Those suspended include the acting regional police director in Peja, the head of regional investigations, the police station commander and deputy commander, other police officials, and four investigators.
There were also suspensions in the prosecution service. Lumturije Vuçetaj, chief prosecutor at the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja, and prosecutor Arlinda Nallbani Gacaferri, who had handled the case, were temporarily removed from their duties.
The killing of 49-year-old Arlinda Zekaj was followed by protests in Pristina and other cities across Kosovo. Participants called for justice for her and accountability from the institutions involved in handling the case.
What shortcomings were identified in the Zekaj case?
Preliminary findings by the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPK) showed that the police had not documented the implementation of an order to protect Zekaj from her husband, Jeton Sylaj. The Basic Court in Peja had issued the order on September 7, following reports of domestic violence.
According to the IPK, the police implemented another court decision, dated October 16, six days late. Among other things, the decision allowed Zekaj to return to the shared home and have temporary custody of her son.
The Inspectorate also found that the police chain of command had not acted on an investigator’s request to reassess the case and strengthen the protective measures. These included visits by police patrols to Zekaj’s residence.
On October 29, Kosovo’s Assembly established a parliamentary inquiry committee to examine the actions and inactions of institutions in connection with the case. On the same date, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that it had received reports from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, which would be reviewed to determine institutional shortcomings and accountability.
Who is Gazmend Hoxha?
Hoxha was appointed director general of the Kosovo Police on March 8, 2023, following a proposal by Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla. He officially took up the post on March 13, replacing Fehmi Hoti, who had until then been acting director.
He joined the Kosovo Police in 2000 and led several units during his career, including the Department for Combating Organized Crime, the Public Safety Division, and the Operations Department.
Hoxha’s official biography notes his involvement in leading and planning several police operations. These included enforcing decisions on vehicle license plates, closing illegal roads, and combating illegal activities in Kosovo.
Hoxha is leaving the head of the police after more than three and a half years in the role.
