Justice Minister Donika Grovalla has stated that the assassination of Arlinda Zekaaj on October 25th could have been prevented, stressing that institutions had constantly received warnings of the danger facing her.

Gervala announced that on October 26th, the day after the assassination, along with Interior Minister Jelal Svechla and Labour Minister Andy Hotin, had held a meeting to discuss the case and institutional responsibilities.

She stressed that the goal is not to find excuses for institutions, but to seek answers to their actions and inactions.

More likely, the murder of Arlinda Zekaj could have been prevented. Over the past few years, Kosovo has made significant steps in institutional development, but the case of Arlinda Zekaj is the most clear testimony that neither good laws nor mechanisms are enough unless their implementation is forwarded, Gervala said.

The minister announced that steps will be taken to review the violence case treatment procedures in order to be checked not only if procedures have been developed, but whether they have been implemented in accordance with the law.

According to her, the National Co-ordinator’s Office is considering legal opportunities for establishing a special mechanism that would enable regular control of legal obligations and institutional procedures, including cases that institutions consider complete.

Gervala explained that the Ministry of Justice has no investigative competence over the actions of police, Prosecution or other institutions, stressing the importance of establishing the investigative commission.

The justice ministry has no investigative competence over the actions of the Police, Prosecutors or other institutions. The establishment of the investigative commission has a special function. We expect this commission to operate in the full bleaching of this case, in all institutional difficulties. The commission will have our full support, she said.

The minister added that the common goal should be to clarify the truth and identify institutional responsibilities.

She stressed that Arlinda Zekiaj had repeatedly sought help and protection, sometimes within the same day, warning that her life was in danger. However, she was killed on October 25th.

Finally, Gervala underlined that the prepared report is not a judicial decision, but serves as the basis for considering institutional actions and inactions.

Protecting women from violence cannot depend on the will of an official, but it is the legal obligation of the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo, and that their refusal should have serious consequences. The report we have is not a judicial decision. Women’s protection from violence cannot depend on an official’s will, Gervala concluded. /Telegraphy/