Peja Prosecutor's Office investigates officials after woman's murder

The Basic Prosecution in Peja has launched an investigation into potential abuse of office following the murder of 49-year-old Arlinda Sylaj Zekaj in Vitomiricë. Three days before her death on October 25, 2026, Zekaj had submitted an urgent petition to the Chief Prosecutor, warning that institutions might only be held accountable after her life was taken.

In her letter, Zekaj alleged that various institutions had failed to fulfill their official duties and requested the immediate execution of a judicial decision regarding the equal use of a home. The prosecution has ordered a formal review to assess criminal liability for the potential crime of “Abuse of position or official authority.”

The petition has been forwarded to several entities for urgent review, including the Regional Police Directorate in Peja, the Basic Court in Peja, the Directorate for Social Welfare, and the Social Work Center. While the prosecution noted that the judicial decision regarding the home had since been executed in cooperation with the police, the investigation into institutional negligence continues.

Zekaj was found dead in her bedroom; initial reports suggest her cousin, Albert Sylaj, is a suspect in the killing. Notably, Zekaj had reported herself as a victim of domestic violence to the police on the evening of her death, only ten minutes before the murder was reported.