Arlinda Zekaj case: institutional accountability sought at Communities Rights Committee

Alliance MP Teuta Haxhiu called on institutions to take responsibility for the killing of Arlinda Zekaj in Vitomiricë, Peja. She stressed that the victim had warned the authorities about the danger just three days before she was killed.

At a meeting of the Committee on the Rights and Interests of Communities and Return, Haxhiu described the incident as evidence of state failure. She said MPs should not wait for women alone to demand a response and justice, but should speak out themselves and hold accountable any official who may have neglected procedures.

Haxhiu said the case should not be treated politically and that no one can feel safe in the country as long as there is no concrete accountability. She called on all MPs to do their duty and seek an investigation into any irresponsible action or failure to act related to the case.

“A woman warned the institutions, asked to be saved and explained what could happen, but her warning was ignored. This is where the state failed. To me, her letter, in which she explained that her life was in danger, is something that cannot be brushed aside. Until someone is held accountable, I have nothing to say to that woman, to any girl or to anyone else in this country,” Haxhiu said.

First Deputy Chair of the Committee Fahrush Rexhepi expressed grief and concern over the killing. He said society faces many problems and that improving the situation requires a joint effort, regardless of the position from which people speak.

Rexhepi said many issues in society had deteriorated and that his main concern remained the state of the country and the way society was behaving. He said he expected and believed that things could improve through a joint effort.

“We, too, share the grief and concern, not only over this case but also over the many problems that have emerged in our society. The causes vary, but everyone must contribute from the position they hold, including MPs. I hope and believe that together we can bring about improvements,” he said.

Arlinda Zekaj was killed on Saturday evening in Vitomiricë, Peja. Her brother-in-law is suspected of the killing and, according to information made public, remains at large.

Initial information indicates that the incident took place at home and that the victim is suspected to have been killed with an axe.

On October 22, just three days before the killing, Zekaj sent a submission to the chief prosecutor of the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja. In the document, she called for urgent measures against officials at the responsible institutions, alleging that they had failed to fulfil their official duties.

The document, bearing a receipt stamp dated October 22, included Zekaj’s warning about the danger threatening her. She had also expressed fear that the institutions would react only after a human life had been lost.