The killing of Arlinda Zekaj renews calls for resignations and reforms in the police and justice systems

Activists and citizens have continued protesting in front of institutions since Wednesday, demanding justice for Arlinda Zekaj and the resignations of two ministers, Donika Gërvalla and Xhelal Sveçla.

Reports prepared by the two ministries headed by Gërvalla and Sveçla identified failures in protecting Arlinda Zekaj’s life. Nevertheless, both ministers have given the same response to calls for them to leave office.

Political scientists and experts on social issues have criticized the ministers for not resigning, despite the reports’ conclusions.

Political scientist Ramiz Ismajli considers a resignation essential, stressing that such a decision does not automatically imply an admission of guilt.

“Resignation is not necessarily an admission of guilt. It is linked to a sense of responsibility and respect for citizens, which is why Ms. Gërvalla and Mr. Sveçla bear responsibility,” said Ramiz Ismajli, a political scientist.

According to Ismajli, steps must be taken to change the system after this failure.

“Minister Sveçla and Minister Gërvalla should not wait for public pressure to increase. Resignation should be a moral act, since they failed to identify the system’s shortcomings. This is precisely where reforms in the justice system and the police should begin, in order to determine what is not working and what needs to change,” said Ramiz Ismajli, a political scientist.

Sociologist Bekim Selishta said that resignation is essential and that the prime minister should also consider such a possibility.

“The prime minister himself should consider resigning, because in this situation it would be the smallest moral act that could be taken in response to an event that has shaken our country,” said Bekim Selishta, a sociologist.

Selishta also spoke about the need for the director-general of the police, Gazmend Hoxha, to resign.

“Given the position he holds, Mr. Hoxha should have been the last to resign in relation to the political leadership. In this case, we have witnessed the failure of politics, while Donika Gërvalla’s speech in Parliament has further strengthened the conviction that she should leave office,” said Bekim Selishta, a sociologist.