We are not calling for suspensions, but imprisonment”: protest march in Pristina over the killing of Arlinda Zekaj

Hundreds of citizens gathered again in Pristina, demanding justice for the brutal killing in Vitomiricë, Peja.

Arlinda Zekaj was killed on October 25 by her former brother-in-law. The incident prompted strong reactions from citizens, civil society and local institutions. Three days before her killing, she had sent a letter to the chief prosecutor of Peja, warning that her life was in danger.

The protest march, held for the second consecutive day, began at “Zahir Pajaziti” Square and continued toward the Ministry of Justice. The protesters set off smoke devices before heading to the police station, where they played audio recordings of Zekaj speaking with a police officer. They eventually stopped in front of the Kosovo government building.

On October 22, just three days before her killing, Zekaj had filed a submission with the chief prosecutor of the Basic Prosecution in Peja. In it, she sought urgent measures against the officials responsible, claiming that they had failed to perform their official duties.

The document, stamped as received on October 22, contained her warning about the danger she was facing. She expressed concern that the institutions might intervene only after someone had lost their life.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti criticized the way Kosovo’s justice system operates and recalled that European Union reports over the years had identified shortcomings in this area. Following Zekaj’s killing, he said that investigators, prosecutors and judges must also be urgently held accountable.

At a meeting held today, the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council suspended Peja’s chief prosecutor, Lumturije Vuçetaj, and prosecutor Arlinda Nallbani Gacaferi from their duties. Investigations were also launched against both of them.

In connection with the tragic case in Vitomiricë, Peja, a total of 11 police officers have so far been suspended.

Similar protests were also held in Ferizaj during the day. Protest rallies have been announced for tomorrow in Peja and Mitrovica.