DThe Democratic Party of Kosovo exclusive, Besa Kabashi-Ramaj, has called for the resignation of Justice Minister Donika Grovalla-Schwarz, and Interior Affairs Minister Xhelal Svecla, following institutional failures in the case of Arlinda Zekaj.
Kabashi-Ramaj, at a media conference, has stressed that Minister Gervalla-Schwarz, though he has acknowledged institutional failures in this case, has avoided political responsibility belonging to the minister and as the National Coordinator for protection from domestic violence and violence against women.
Our request is clear: resignations of responsible ministers, full investigation of any failure and urgent action to protect life. Because Arlinda paid life for the failure of defense. No position, no position and no political power is worth more than the life of a citizen of the Republic of Kosovo, Kabashi-Ramaj said.
It has also called on Prime Minister Albin Kurti to ask for the resignation of these two ministers, while in case of rejection, to dismiss them.
The division of powers is not a separation from responsibility! Coordination is not a ceremonial title. It is the responsibility to identify shortcomings, require action and ensure defence mechanisms function, she said.
Similarly, the MP has warned of commitment to clear up the full institutional responsibilities through the investigative commission for the case.
Arlinda cannot be returned. But we have an obligation to her, to her family and to every woman and girl in the Republic of Kosovo. For her death not to end up as another report in the archives of institutions.
Arlinda did not ask for privilege. He demanded that the Constitution and the laws guarantee every citizen – the protection of life and security. So today we seek answers: Who knew? When did he know? Who had the obligation to act? And why didn’t she act?
Kabashi-Ramaj said the resignation of Police Director General Gazmend Hoxha cannot house Minister Jhelal Svecla from successive failures in this institution.
Grazmen Hoxha has his responsibility. It must be examined to the end. But the Police Director cannot become a sacrifice to his minister’s fear of facing political responsibility. If the minister considers his resignation reasonable for the police director, he should explain to the citizens why the responsibility stops right at the door of his office. The minister has not been prosecuted responsible for any actions of a police official. But it is politically responsible for politics, conditions and institutional direction in the field it leads, the PDK MP stressed.
As an example of mismanagement, she also mentioned cancelling the graduation ceremony of 300 new policemen because of a lack of uniforms.
You can’t take credit for the successes and leave all the victims responsible for the failures!
According to the PDK deputy, the state cannot claim to be secure, fair and democratic, if women and girls are not safe in their homes, in their communities, nor when they seek the assistance of institutions.
Because someone has to give the signal that it’s enough! Enough reasoning after tragedy! Enough with reports identifying failures but not bringing responsibility! Enough of institutions that only react after a woman lost her life!