IKD calls for an independent investigation into the killing of Arlinda Zekaj and the actions of institutions

The Kosovo Law Institute (IKD) is calling for the killing of Arlinda Zekaj in Vitomiricë, Peja, to be investigated fully, effectively and independently. According to the organization, the investigation should also include the actions or inactions of the institutions that had handled the case.

IKD says that the published information, according to which the victim had sought institutional help and the Police had treated her as a victim of domestic violence shortly before she was killed, raises serious suspicions that there may have been failures to protect her life.

The organization is calling for a review of how the Police, Prosecution, Court, Centre for Social Work and other responsible mechanisms acted. If violations are identified, IKD is calling for concrete criminal, disciplinary and administrative measures to be taken.

IKD called on the Government and the Assembly of Kosovo to take concrete steps toward vetting in the justice system. It stressed that waiting for this process should not hinder accountability in individual cases.

The organization is also calling for improved measures to protect women from domestic violence and has asked the Ministry of Justice to review criminal legislation on the killing of women, including the possibility of explicitly recognizing femicide.

IKD has expressed its readiness to provide the deceased’s family with free legal advice and representation, with the aim of examining the possibility of seeking state responsibility for a possible violation of the right to life.