Gazmend Hoxha resigns as Kosovo police chief after the killing of Arlinda Zekaj: “A moral resignation”

Kosovo Police Director General Gazmend Hoxha resigned on Friday, five days after the killing of Arlinda Zekaj in Vitomirica, near Peja, a case that has sparked protests in several cities and demands for institutional accountability.

The Prime Minister's Office said Albin Kurti had accepted the resignation and relieved Hoxha of duty. On the proposal of Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla, Fehmi Hoti was appointed acting director general. “The Government of the Republic of Kosovo values Mr. Hoxha's contribution and commitment throughout his mandate,” the announcement said.

“It has to do with a moral resignation”

Asked by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty whether his departure was linked to the institutional handling of the case, Hoxha replied that it “has to do with a moral resignation.” He did not answer whether this meant he felt responsible for the negligence in the handling of the case.

A day earlier, the police had suspended 11 officers in Peja, among them the acting regional director, the head of regional investigations and four investigators. According to preliminary findings of the Police Inspectorate, the police had not documented the enforcement of a protection order issued on Sept. 7 and had carried out another court decision, from Oct. 16, six days late.

Three and a half years at the helm

Hoxha was appointed director general on March 8, 2023, on Sveçla's proposal, and took office on March 13, succeeding Fehmi Hoti, who was then leading the police in an acting capacity. He had served in the police since 2000 and had headed, among other units, the department against organized crime.

The resignation comes as Kosovo's Assembly has set up an inquiry committee into the actions and failures of institutions in the case.