Kosovo's Minister of Justice, Donika Gërvalla , spoke to the media this Friday regarding the murder of Arlinda Zekaj by her brother-in-law.
She noted that the report on the murder is still incomplete due to the lack of some documentation and additional clarifications, and has identified serious shortcomings and delays in handling the case.
Gërvalla also emphasized that the most disturbing finding of the report is that Arlinda Zekaj was not killed without warning, as institutions had received prior signals about the danger she was facing.
"The report is supported by documentation, it analyzes actions and inactions from Arlinda's first report to her murder. The report is partially complete, because the coordinator's office has not received a detailed response. We are still waiting for additional documentation and clarifications. But the report highlights serious shortcomings and delays. The most disturbing finding is that she was not killed without warning. Arlinda reported physical and psychological violence. She reported threats and informed the police that her husband possessed a weapon," said Gërvalla.
She also stated that the victim had reported the threats, submitted evidence of the violent acts, and informed the police that his husband and family members, who were staying on the property against her will, were preventing her from entering her home.
"Another ongoing concern was the inability to return to the shared home and have regular contact with her 12-year-old son. Although co-owner of the house, she reported that her husband, as well as his family members who were staying there against her will, prevented her from entering her property. On September 7, Arlinda Zekaj requested an emergency protection order from the Basic Court in Peja. That same day, she wrote to the court that she feared for her life and that of her child. So, the danger had been reported, expressly, and was documented," the minister said.