Naim Qelaj on the Arlinda Zekaj case: The state may have failed to prevent it

The Ombudsperson, Naim Qelaj, said today that Kosovo should hold a nationwide debate on gender equality, violence against women and domestic violence, treating them as issues of national interest.

Speaking before the Committee on Human Rights, Gender Equality and Petitions, he also discussed the killing of Arlinda Zekaj in Vitomiricë, Peja.

According to Qelaj, the tragic case of Arlinda Zekaj has raised suspicions that state institutions may have failed to prevent such incidents, KosovaPress reports.

Arlinda Zekaj was killed on Sunday in Vitomiricë, Peja, by her brother-in-law. The incident prompted strong reactions from citizens and institutions, while protests have been taking place in various cities across the country for several days.

Today, Kosovo Police Director General Gazmend Hoxha resigned over the case. The day before, Peja Chief Prosecutor Lumturie Vuçetaj, prosecutor Arlinda Nallbani-Gacaferri and 11 police officers were suspended.