The Sylaj brothers transferred to the High Security Prison in Dyz after the murder of Arlinda Zekaj

Albert Sylaj, the main suspect in the murder of Arlinda Zekaj on October 25, 2026, and Jeton Sylaj, the victim’s former husband, who was arrested after she filed a report against him that same day, have been transferred to the High Security Prison in Dyz.

Sources told Kallxo.com that the two brothers have been placed in separate units within the facility.

The victim, Arlinda Zekaj, died after being struck with an axe at her home in the village of Vitomiricë, in Peja, on the evening of October 25, 2026.

Her former brother-in-law, Albert Sylaj, is suspected of carrying out the crime.

After an intensive two-day search, Kosovo Police arrested Sylaj in Deçan late in the evening on October 27.

The court ordered him held in pretrial detention for 30 days.

Jeton Sylaj was also placed in pretrial detention for one month on suspicion of disobeying court orders. He is also facing an indictment for threatening his late former wife.

Documents submitted by the prosecution in its request for pretrial detention state that Albert Sylaj killed his former sister-in-law in a merciless act of revenge after she reported his brother for domestic violence.

According to the prosecution’s account of events, after the victim returned from the police station, where she had reported abuse by her former husband, the defendant Albert Sylaj, angered by the detention of his brother Jeton, took an axe and entered the bedroom where the victim was.

The prosecution says Arlinda Zekaj tried to hide behind the door, but the defendant struck her several times, particularly on the head, killing her at the scene.

According to the investigation file, the crime was committed in the presence of the victim’s minor son, the perpetrator’s minor children, and his mother.

The prosecution also listed the risks posed by the defendant’s release in its request.

It noted that Albert Sylaj evaded the authorities from October 25 to 27, 2026, and that he could influence witnesses or conceal evidence.

According to the prosecution, if released, the defendant would pose a risk of reoffending, as he has four final convictions on his record.

The prosecution also stressed that no alternative measure would ensure the defendant’s presence during the criminal proceedings.

The Kosovo Police Inspectorate has proposed suspending Agron Hasanaj, director of the Peja Police Station, along with ten other officials in the chain of command.

On the evening of October 28, 2026, Klan Kosova’s MAT program broadcast an audio recording of a conversation between Arlinda Zekaj and police officer Faruk Muçolli.

In the recording, Arlinda Zekaj can be heard telling the officer: “Faruk, please. Please, I’m going to be killed… It doesn’t matter, but you will be held accountable.”

Faruk Muçolli responded: “I personally won’t take your case anymore. I’m not obliged to deal with you… because we’re tired.”

The suspensions have also affected the Peja Prosecution Office.

On October 29, 2026, the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council decided to suspend Peja Chief Prosecutor Lumturije Vuçetaj and Deputy Chief Prosecutor Arlinda Nallbani-Gacaferri, who also served as coordinator for domestic violence, from their duties.

The Collective for Feminist Thought and Action held protests on October 28 and 29, 2026, calling for the dismissal, prosecution, and imprisonment of those responsible at the head of the justice institutions.