The murder of Arlinda Zekaj, Kosovo’s police director resigns

Gazmend Hoxha, director of the Kosovo Police, has resigned five days after Arlinda Zekaj was killed by her former brother-in-law. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that on Friday he accepted Hoxha’s resignation and relieved him of his duties as director general of the Kosovo Police. In the meantime, Fehmi Hoti will perform the duties until a new director is appointed.

“In accordance with the applicable legislation, Prime Minister Kurti, following a proposal by Minister of Internal Affairs Xhelal Sveçla, appointed Mr. Fehmi Hoti as acting director general of the Kosovo Police. The Government of the Republic of Kosovo appreciates Mr. Hoxha’s contribution and commitment throughout his mandate,” the statement said.

On Thursday, the police suspended 11 officers from duty over their handling of the Arlinda Zekaj case, including the acting regional director of Peja, the head of regional investigations, the police station commander, the deputy commander, the head of investigations, the acting head of the operations sector, the commander of the substation in Vitomiricë and four police investigators.

The chief prosecutor of the Peja Prosecutor’s Office and the case prosecutor—Lumturije Vuçetaj and Arlinda Nallbani Gacaferri—have also been suspended from duty in connection with the Zekaj case.