Parliament establishes inquiry committee into the Zekaj case, while Gërvalla and Sveçla are absent from the session

Kosovo’s Assembly voted to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry Committee into the case of Arlinda Zekaj. The initiative, proposed by MP Arbërie Nagavci, was approved with 90 votes in favor, no votes against and no abstentions.

The committee will analyze how the institutions acted to protect Arlinda, examine whether there was negligence and determine who was responsible. It is also expected to present recommendations to prevent similar cases from happening again.

The Minister of Justice, Donika Gërvalla, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, and Prime Minister Albin Kurti did not attend the session. The government has not given a reason for their absence. Meanwhile, protesters set to gather again today in Pristina are specifically calling for the resignation of the two ministers.

Donika Gërvalla has yet to respond publicly to calls for her resignation. Last night, while the protest was underway, she posted on Facebook about international agreements concerning the transfer of convicted persons.

Her most recent comments on the case date to October 26, when she spoke in the Assembly. Gërvalla said that Arlinda had turned to the justice system, not the government, and stressed that the minister does not have the authority to dismiss prosecutors or judges.

In a separate development, the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council decided to suspend Lumturije Vuçetaj, chief prosecutor at the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja, and Arlinda Nallbani-Gacaferri, the prosecutor handling the case. Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against both.

The suspension was recommended by State Chief Prosecutor Zejnullah Gashi following findings concerning actions and failures to act in this case. However, the suspension does not mean that responsibility has been established.

Opposition parties called on the government and the prime minister to answer for their actions. LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku said that “statements after tragedies are not enough” and that accountability must extend to the political level.

PDK MP Blerta Deliu-Kodra said she was shocked by the police’s actions in the Peja case. AAK described the handling of the matter as “fatal mismanagement” and voiced support for the resignation of both ministers.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has asked the two ministries to submit a full report on institutional failures by 18:00 today. He said he would publish the reports.