Citizens march in Pristina for justice over Arlinda Zekaj’s killing

Hundreds of citizens gathered again in Pristina to demand justice in connection with the tragic case in Vitomiricë, Peja.

The protest march, held for the second consecutive day, began at Zahir Pajaziti Square and continued toward the Ministry of Justice. Protesters set off smoke bombs, then headed to the police station, where they also played audio recordings of the late Arlinda Zekaj speaking with a police official. They eventually stopped in front of the Kosovo Government building.

Arlinda Zekaj was killed on October 25 by her former brother-in-law. The incident prompted strong reactions from citizens, civil society and local institutions.

Just three days before her killing, on October 22, Zekaj had submitted a petition to the chief prosecutor of the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja. In it, she called for urgent measures against officials of the responsible institutions, alleging that they had failed to carry out their official duties.

In the document, stamped as received on October 22, she had warned of the danger she faced and expressed fear that the institutions would act only after someone had lost their life.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has criticized the way Kosovo’s justice system operates. He said that European Union reports over the years had identified shortcomings in the sector and that, following Arlinda Zekaj’s killing, calls for accountability from investigators, prosecutors and judges had become urgent.

At its meeting today, the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council decided to suspend Peja Chief Prosecutor Lumturije Vuçetaj and prosecutor Arlinda Nallbani Gacaferi. Investigations were also opened into both of them.

In connection with the tragic case in Vitomiricë, Peja, a total of 11 police officers have been suspended so far.

Similar protests were held in Ferizaj during the day, while further gatherings have been announced for tomorrow in Peja and Mitrovica.