Thousands of protesters converged on Pristina, Kosovo's capital, on Wednesday, demanding that authorities take decisive action against pervasive domestic violence in the nation. The demonstration, which saw activists splash red paint on government buildings, was ignited by the recent killing of Arlinda Zekaj, 49, who was allegedly murdered by her brother-in-law on Sunday. Activists report Zekaj's death marks the eighth victim of domestic violence in Kosovo this year.
Protesters carried banners that read, "Do we have to die to be taken seriously?" and "Men kill women, the state stays silent," reflecting frustration with the perceived inaction of the government and a patriarchal societal structure. Photos of murdered women were also displayed during the march.
While Kosovo has enacted legislation aimed at combating violence against women, including provisions for life sentences for murderers, critics argue that these laws are inconsistently implemented. Activists point to a lack of coordinated efforts among police, social services, prosecutors, and courts as a significant barrier to effective enforcement. This issue is not unique to Kosovo, with similar challenges prevalent across the Balkans, a region where traditional male dominance is deeply entrenched, exacerbated by the post-war crises of the 1990s.
The case of Arlinda Zekaj, who held dual U.S. and Kosovo citizenship, garnered particular public outrage due to her prior attempts to seek help from authorities. Days before her death, Zekaj reportedly sent a letter to the chief prosecutor's office, stating that officials were evading responsibility, thereby prolonging the danger to her life. She had previously reported violence from her husband and had sought refuge with her parents while requesting protection. After her husband's detention for domestic violence, Zekaj returned home. According to a relative, she was killed with an ax by her brother-in-law shortly after her return. The suspect fled the scene and was later arrested for murder.
The Kosovo Women's Network, a protest organizer, issued a statement highlighting "a possible failure in the chain of institutions" and emphasized the need for all state bodies to act in concert when women seek assistance.
In response to Zekaj's death, Kosovo's Parliament convened an urgent session, establishing a parliamentary investigative committee to scrutinize potential institutional responsibility. Prime Minister Albin Kurti acknowledged "a systemic chain of failures by the institutions responsible for security and justice," stating that a murder preceded by such unanswered warnings was "unforgivable."
Data from the Justice Ministry indicates that Kosovo police received 2,815 reports of domestic violence in 2025. The country, with a population of approximately 2 million, has seen three men sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering their partners since the penalty was introduced in 2012.