Kosovo Police have suspended 11 police officers over their handling of the case of Arlinda Zekaj, who was killed in Vitomirica, Peja. Earlier, the Kosovo Prosecutorial Council also suspended the chief prosecutor of Peja, Lumturije Vuçetaj, and prosecutor Arlinda Nallbani-Gacaferri. According to the official statement of the Kosovo Police, the suspensions were carried out following a recommendation from the Kosovo Police Inspectorate (IPK), while a preliminary investigation has been opened into the actions or inaction of the officers in handling the case.
Among the suspended officers are the acting regional police director in Peja, the head of Regional Investigations, the commander and deputy commander of the Peja Police Station, as well as other leaders of police structures.
Police Sergeant Faruk Muqolli can be heard in an audio recording published by “MAT” telling the victim that he would no longer accept her and that he had no obligation to deal with her. The case of Arlinda Zekaj has prompted numerous reactions and calls for institutional accountability regarding the way her case was handled.
The measures also include four police investigators from this station. Kosovo Police said the suspensions were undertaken in the interest of independent investigations, institutional accountability and determining individual responsibility in the handling of the case.
The Kosovo Prosecutorial Council has suspended the chief prosecutor of the Basic Prosecution Office of Peja, Lumturije Vuçetaj, and prosecutor Arlinda Nallbani-Gacaferri, in connection with developments related to the case. Investigations continue to clarify whether there were institutional violations or shortcomings in handling the matter.