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[CRIME] · Kosovo · 40 sources

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Kosovo authorities investigate institutional failures following Arlinda Zekaj murder

Kosovo officials have launched investigations into potential institutional negligence following the murder of 49-year-old Arlinda Sylaj Zekaj in Vitomiricë, Peja. Zekaj was killed on October 25, 2026, allegedly by her brother-in-law, Albert Sylaj, who remains at large.

Three days prior to her death, Zekaj had sent an urgent letter to the Chief Prosecutor in Peja, warning that she might lose her life and requesting immediate action against officials for failing to execute judicial decisions and protect her. The victim had also reported domestic violence to the police hours before the killing.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti has demanded that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice provide detailed reports and conduct urgent reviews of high-risk cases within 72 hours. Additionally, the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPK) has begun verifying how police handled Zekaj's previous reports. The murder has sparked significant political debate regarding the protection of women and the effectiveness of judicial orders in Kosovo.

Entities

Albert Sylaj · Albin Kurti · Albulena Haxhiu · Arlinda Sylaj Zekaj · Basic Prosecution in Peja · Besnik Tahiri · Democratic League of Kosovo · Jeton Sylaj · Kosovo Police · Lumir Abdixhiku · Lumturije Vuçetaj · Peja

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