The assassination of Arlinda Zekiaj, on October 25th 2026 in Vitomirica of Peja, has prompted numerous reactions and investigations into the way responsible institutions have handled its case before the tragedy occurred.

Zekij had repeatedly sought protection from the institutions, expressing fears for her life and denouncing domestic violence. However, despite requests for help, she was killed, while on suspicion of her former case, Albert Sylaj.

On October 22, 2026, just three days before the assassination, Arlinda Zekaj addressed the chief prosecutor of the Constitutional Prosecutorship in Pec, Joy Vucetaj, voicing concern for her security and seeking the intervention of institutions.

A day later, on October 23rd, a police investigator had asked police officers in Pec to visit Arlinda daily by police patrols and maintain regular communication with her because of the tense family situation.

On October 25, the day she was killed, she had again reported to the police for breaking her husband’s protective order. After reporting, the husband had been detained for 48 hours.

However, just minutes after returning from police, Arlinda was killed at her home in Vitomirica, Pec.

After the event, the institutions launched investigations to dawn not only the circumstances of the assassination but also the actions and inactions of officials who had been taken into its case.

Inspection states violations at the Centre for Social Affairs

On November 14th 2026, the Ministry of Labour, Family and Freedom War Values published the findings of the Foreign Inspection Report at the Centre for Social Affairs in Pec.

According to the report, a series of shortcomings and violations — including disrespecting judicial deadlines, lack of monitoring and failure to implement standard procedures for case management — are recorded in the handling of the case.

One of the main findings relates to the recent failure of the tribunal’s required report. According to the Inspectorate, with the September 24th decision being scheduled for seven days, but the report was submitted only on 5 October.

Similarly, the case manager had not attended the 5 October trial session without a justification for her absence being counted.

The inspector has also found that the QPS had failed to implement the monitoring required after accepting the September 7th court’s decision, though it had the responsibility to act even without a special order from the Court.

The report also mentions non-fulfilling forms for contacts and work in case, lack of the Individual Services Plan and lack of professional supervision by the head of Social Services towards the work of the case manager.

Discipline Measures Required Against Two Officials

For the recorded violations, the Inspection Division has recommended the mayor of the Peja municipality to take disciplinary measures to the random manager, T. G., and Social Services leaders, D. K.

In addition, the ministry has called for the urgent increase in the number of professional staff licensed in Pec’s QPS, taking into account the number of cases and territory covering this centre.

Another recommendation concerns the transfer of the Directorate for Social Management, director A, respectively. B., with the goal of securing professional independence of the Centre for Social Work and the clear division of responsibilities among these institutions.

The ministry has requested that the recommendations be addressed without delay and be officially announced for actions taken.

Peja Community responds after report

After the findings were published, the Pec Community, through the Centre for Social Work, has come up with a clarification concerning the treatment of the Arlinda Zekij case.

In her response, the QPS has stressed that during the handling of the case, there were professional actions, including initial intervention after police request, the engagement of social servants in 24-hour custody, field visits and family circumstances assessment.

According to the QPS, conversation was also conducted with parents and family members, as well as was requested and provided documentation from educational and health institutions, including the Cambridge School School of Mental Health in Pec.

The centre has stressed that it had participated in procedures at the Foundation Court in Pec and had presented professional assessments regarding the child’s situation and needs.

However, as to the findings of the Inspectorate, the QPS has described them as issues that require improvement in administrative, organisational and procedural terms.

The institution has announced that it will take the recommendations seriously and take the necessary actions to improve the work, including completing documentation, respecting deadlines and strengthening professional supervision.

The case continues to be the focus of institutions

Arlinda Zekiaj’s murder has prompted other institutional measures. After the event, the Kosovo Police Inspectorate had recommended the suspension of 11 police officials, while investigations have expanded in terms of institutional responsibility.

Similarly, a parliamentary investigative commission has been formed to review the actions and inactions of institutions responsible for handling the case.

The publication of the QPS Inspectorate Report has brought back to the attention of questions about institutional response to Arlinda Zekaj’s demands for defence and the responsibility of officials in charge of handling her case.

Meanwhile, the Ministry’s recommendations are expected to serve as the basis for further actions on shortcomings outlined in the functioning of the Centre for Social Work in Pec. /Telegraphy/