Kosovo’s Chief State Prosecutor, Zejnullah Gashi, has initiated disciplinary proceedings and recommended the suspension of Lumturije Vuçetaj, Chief Prosecutor of the Basic Prosecution Office in Peja, and prosecutor Arlinda Nallbani Gacaferri following concerns over the handling of the murder case of Arlinda Zeka.
Gashi confirmed the decision to the Telegrafi news outlet, saying: “I confirm it.”
The recommendation follows growing scrutiny of how justice institutions handled reports and requests for protection made by Zeka before she was killed in Vitomirica, near Peja, on October 25.
The proposed suspensions are expected to be reviewed at a meeting of the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council (KPC), convened by Gashi. The disciplinary proceedings concern findings by the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor regarding suspected actions and omissions in the handling of the case.
Zeka, 49, was murdered in circumstances that have sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for accountability within Kosovo’s law enforcement and justice institutions.
Police conduct also under investigation
The Kosovo Police Inspectorate (KPI) has also launched investigative and verification procedures into how the Kosovo Police handled Zeka’s reports.
The inspectorate confirmed to Telegrafi that, with authorization from the State Prosecutor’s Office, it would examine communications between police officers and Zeka, the timing of the response, and any potential actions or failures to act while handling her reported cases.
The investigation aims to determine whether officers complied with legal obligations and established procedures and to identify any individual or institutional responsibility.
Audio recordings intensify public scrutiny
The case has drawn further attention following the publication of audio recordings in which Zeka can reportedly be heard asking police for help.
In one recording, she is heard addressing an officer named Faruk and saying: “Faruk, I’m tired, please.” Another part of the communication reportedly includes the phrase, “I will no longer accept you.”
Media reports also indicate that Zeka sought urgent intervention from the authorities to protect her just three days before her murder.
The disciplinary proceedings against the two prosecutors and the separate police investigation are expected to examine whether the institutions involved responded appropriately to the reports and requests for protection made before her death.
The investigations are ongoing, and the recommendation to suspend the prosecutors does not in itself establish individual wrongdoing. The competent bodies will determine whether disciplinary or other responsibility should follow.
