New developments have emerged within the Kosovo Police following the murder of Arlinda Zekaj, who was killed on October 25 in the village of Vitomiricë, in the Peja municipality. Those suspended include senior officials of the Peja Regional Police Directorate, including the regional director, a major, a captain, commanders, and heads of the investigations and operations sectors.
The suspensions follow the launch of investigative and verification procedures by the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPI), concerning how the victim’s case was handled before she was murdered.
- Agron Hasanaj – Regional Police Director in Peja.
- Ndue Nikolla – Major, Head of Regional Investigations.
- Faik Jahmurataj – Captain, Commander of the Peja Police Station.
- Dervish Hasanaj – Deputy Commander and Head of Operations at the Peja Police Station.
- Sami Lekaj – Commander of the Vitomiricë Police Substation.
- Faruk Muqolli – Head of Investigations at the Peja Police Station.
In addition to these officials, four police investigators from the Peja Police Station are also reported to have been suspended. Their identities have not been made public.
The suspension of officials at these senior levels marks a significant development in the examination of institutional accountability following Arlinda Zekaj’s murder.
It is recalled that the victim had sought assistance and protective measures from the institutions just days before she was killed.
Gazeta Sinjali previously reported on a document dated October 22 through which Arlinda requested urgent protective measures from the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja.
Meanwhile, the Kosovo Police Inspectorate has launched procedures to determine whether police officers complied with legal requirements when handling the victim’s reports and whether any institutional actions or omissions occurred.
These suspensions follow decisions by the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council to suspend Peja Chief Prosecutor Lumturije Vuçetaj and domestic violence coordinator Arlinda Nallbani Gacaferri.
Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against the two prosecution officials to assess their potential responsibility in handling the case.
Arlinda Zekaj’s murder has sparked strong public reactions and calls for accountability from the institutions involved in handling her reports.
The suspensions are temporary measures and do not constitute a final determination of the officials’ responsibility.
